Shut Down Of LGBTQI+ Youth Crisis Line Raises Concerns

OLYMPIA — The LGBTQI+ Youth Subnetwork of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will shut down Thursday, July 17, following a federal decision to end the specialized service that has operated since 2022. The closure, announced last month, has sparked concerns among mental health advocates and state officials about access to affirming crisis care for LGBTQIA2S+ youth.

The subnetwork was created to provide tailored support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and two-spirit (LGBTQIA2S+) youth ages 13 to 24. It connected young people with trained counselors—many of whom identified as LGBTQIA2S+ themselves—offering a safe, affirming space for those experiencing mental health crises, substance use concerns, or seeking long-term resources.

In Washington, the subnetwork received an average of 830 calls, 270 texts, and 224 chats each month. Its closure is expected to increase pressure on the main 988 Lifeline, potentially reducing visibility and access for LGBTQIA2S+ youth during times of crisis.

Michele Roberts, assistant secretary for prevention and community health at the Washington State Department of Health, said the state is alarmed by the loss of a critical support system.

“We’re deeply concerned about the loss of this vital service,” Roberts said. “The LGBTQI+ Youth Subnetwork has been a critical resource for LGBTQIA2S+ youth and young adults with affirming care tailored to meet their unique needs. While this closure is a setback, our commitment to protecting and improving the health of all Washingtonians remains strong. Our state is ready to serve anyone who contacts 988, including LGBTQIA2S+ youth and young adults.”

The 988 Lifeline itself, now entering its third year as a free, confidential, 24/7 service, will remain operational through Washington’s three contracted crisis centers. In response to the subnetwork’s closure, the state Department of Health said it is working to ensure that 988 crisis counselors are trained to support LGBTQIA2S+ youth and young adults.

Levi Van Dyke, chief behavioral health officer at Volunteers of America Western Washington—one of the state’s 988 Lifeline centers and a responder for the LGBTQI+ Youth Subnetwork—emphasized the commitment of crisis counselors.

“Our crisis counselors will continue to provide compassionate, accessible care and support to anyone,” Van Dyke said. “They are always ready to listen and help you and your loved ones.”

Even with the subnetwork ending, the 988 Lifeline will continue to offer specialized services through other national subnetworks, including the Veterans Crisis Line, the Spanish Subnetwork for Spanish-speaking individuals, and the Native & Strong Lifeline, which serves Native and Indigenous people in Washington.

Other national resources will also remain available for LGBTQIA2S+ youth seeking crisis support, including The Trevor Project, Crisis Text Line, LGBT National Hotline, and Trans Lifeline.

The LGBTQI+ Youth Subnetwork was initially launched as a pilot program in fiscal year 2022 under a government agreement with a third-party provider. Federal funding increased in fiscal year 2023, when Congress directed $29.7 million for the specialized service. In fiscal year 2024, that funding rose to $33 million.

However, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), those funds have now been fully expended. As of June 2025, the $33 million allocated for the LGBTQI+ subnetwork services was exhausted, prompting the decision to end the program.

In a statement, SAMHSA clarified that starting July 17, the 988 Lifeline will no longer offer a separate “Press 3” option for LGBTQI+ youth. Instead, the Lifeline will serve all help seekers under a unified system, with the assurance that counselors remain trained to provide skilled, culturally competent care.

“Everyone who contacts the 988 Lifeline will continue to receive access to skilled, caring, culturally competent crisis counselors who can help with suicidal, substance misuse, or mental health crises, or any other kind of emotional distress,” the SAMHSA statement said. “Anyone who calls the Lifeline will continue to receive compassion and help.”

Despite the federal decision, Washington state officials say they are committed to ensuring LGBTQIA2S+ youth and young adults do not face gaps in support.

The LGBTQIA2S+ community, particularly youth, faces elevated risks of suicide and mental health challenges due to systemic discrimination and historic marginalization. Advocates have warned that eliminating dedicated services may make it harder for vulnerable young people to access care during times of need.

City and state leaders echoed those concerns, emphasizing the importance of creating inclusive, accessible mental health support systems.

“We will continue working to ensure our crisis response system meets the needs of everyone in our community,” Roberts said.

For now, the state’s focus remains on preparing Washington’s 988 counselors to meet the increased demand and on directing young people and their families to available resources. Mental health advocates are also encouraging LGBTQIA2S+ youth to reach out to established organizations like The Trevor Project and Trans Lifeline.