Concerns grow among a Maryland therapist as they predict a decrease in LGTBQ+ youth seeking help, due to the implementation of changesrelated to the 989 hotline.
In a move that has raised concerns among advocates, the Trump administration announced the discontinuation of the dedicated LGBTQ+ youth lifeline, the Press 3 option on the 988 helpline, back in June. However, it's essential to note that alternative resources and support lines remain available for LGBTQ+ youth seeking mental health support.
The Trevor Project's crisis services continue to operate independently, offering specialized support for LGBTQ+ youth. You can reach out to them by calling 1-866-488-7386, chatting online at TheTrevorProject.org/Get-Help, or texting START to 678678 for free, confidential support 24/7.
While the general 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline continues to operate nationwide, it no longer offers specialized LGBTQ+ youth services such as the Press 3 option.
Some states, like California, have stepped up to fill the gap. California endorses The Trevor Project hotline and maintains 988 call centers staffed with crisis counselors trained to support LGBTQ+ youth. The state also provides additional mental health programs and peer support services like CalHOPE and virtual platforms (BrightLife Kids, Soluna) to offer targeted help to LGBTQ+ youth regardless of insurance or immigration status.
In Maryland, local advocates, including the Pride Center of Maryland, are preparing to step up and fill the gap left by the discontinued LGBTQ+ youth lifeline. The Pride Center of Maryland is creating a suicide warm line for live support during traditional work hours.
The Central Maryland 988 helpline, which receives approximately 4,500 calls per month, will continue to provide dedicated support for LGBTQ+ youth. For non-traditional hours, the Pride Center of Maryland will provide a recording with information on where to call or go for help.
The discontinuation of the dedicated lifeline has sparked growing concerns among mental health professionals. Xiomara Arrieta, a therapist with ThriveWorks, expressed concerns that the discontinuation of the lifeline could make young LGBTQ+ individuals hesitant to seek help. Arrieta added that the discontinuation of the lifeline takes away the ability for LGBTQ+ youth to talk to someone who may fully understand their problems.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) stated that the 988's dedicated LGBTQ+ youth lifeline ended because the funding for it had been exhausted. In response, the Pride Center of Maryland is bolstering youth programming and other suicide prevention resources to bridge the gap left by the federal lifeline.
The Pride Center of Maryland's CEO, Cleo Manago, was not surprised by the lifeline's ending, stating that the Trump administration had a history of rolling back protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. Despite this setback, Manago remains optimistic that the community will continue to find ways to support each other and access the help they need.
| Resource | Contact Method | Notes | |--------------------------------------|--------------------------|--------------------------------------------------| | The Trevor Project | Call: 1-866-488-7386 | Specialized LGBTQ+ youth crisis support 24/7 | | | Chat: TheTrevorProject.org/Get-Help | | | | Text: START to 678678 | | | National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | Call/Text: 988 | General hotline, no specialized LGBTQ+ youth services anymore | | California-specific programs | Call/Text: 988 | State-endorsed specialized supports via Trevor Project and other initiatives |
In light of the discontinuation of the dedicated LGBTQ+ youth lifeline on the 988 helpline, mental health professionals have raised concerns about the impact on the vulnerable community. Xiomara Arrieta, a therapist with ThriveWorks, expressed concerns that the discontinuation could discourage young LGBTQ+ individuals from seeking help, as they may lose the ability to talk to someone who truly understands their problems.
In response to this gap, organizations such as the Pride Center of Maryland in Maryland are preparing to establish new resources. The Pride Center of Maryland is creating a suicide warm line for live support during regular work hours and providing a recording with information on where to find help for non-traditional hours.
