After more than a year without specialized federal crisis services, LGBTQ+ young people can once again access dedicated support through the national 988 Lifeline.
The federal 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has restored its specialized crisis support services for LGBTQ+ youth, bringing back a resource that was discontinued in July 2025.
The service, commonly known as the “Press 3” option, resumed September 30, 2026, following congressional action that provided $33.1 million in funding for specialized LGBTQ+ youth services.
For LGBTQ+ young people in Memphis, throughout Tennessee and across the country, the restoration means another way to reach crisis counselors when experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts or other mental health challenges.
Why the Service Matters
The specialized service was introduced in 2022 to help address the mental health needs of LGBTQ+ young people, who experience disproportionately high rates of suicidal thoughts and other mental health challenges.
Before its closure, the program handled more than 1.5 million crisis contacts nationwide.
The Trump administration discontinued the service in July 2025, citing exhausted federal funding. Following advocacy from mental health organizations and members of Congress, the service was restored.
The Trevor Project, which helped establish the original program, welcomed its return but is not participating in the relaunched federal service.
Questions remain about the training provided to counselors and whether the restored program will consistently offer affirming care to transgender and nonbinary young people.
The Trevor Project continues to operate its own independent, confidential crisis services for LGBTQ+ young people.
How to Get Help in Tennessee
LGBTQ+ youth and young adults have several options for confidential crisis support, including services available 24 hours a day.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Call 988 and select option 3 for specialized LGBTQ+ youth support.
- General crisis support is also available by calling or texting 988.
- Website: 988lifeline.org
The Trevor Project
- Call 1-866-488-7386.
- Text START to 678678.
- Visit TheTrevorProject.org/Get-Help for online crisis support.
The Trevor Project provides free, confidential crisis counseling for LGBTQ+ young people ages 13 to 24.
Tennessee Statewide Crisis Services
Tennessee also provides 24-hour crisis services, including mobile crisis response for children and youth experiencing psychiatric emergencies.
- Call or text 988 and select option 0 to reach Tennessee crisis services.
- Visit Tennessee Crisis Services for additional information.
Support Is Available
Whether someone is struggling with their identity, facing rejection, experiencing discrimination or dealing with other personal challenges, they deserve access to compassionate mental health support.
You do not have to be experiencing suicidal thoughts to reach out for help.
For LGBTQ+ young people in Tennessee, the restoration of specialized 988 services adds another option for finding support. Advocates say continued oversight, counselor training and culturally responsive care will be essential to ensuring that the service meets the needs of the young people it was created to serve.
