As HHS Restores the LGBTQ 988 Suicide and Crisis Line Under Pressure From Congress, Questions Remain
KFF ·
988 is the federally mandated suicide and crisis line, overseen by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Between March 2023 and June 2025, and at the direction of Congress, 988 offered a specific service to meet the needs of LGBTQ young people. The service was ended under the Trump Administration in July 2025, at a time when utilization was increasing. This Policy Watch explores these policy developments and data on the LGBTQ line utilization.
988 is the federally mandated suicide and crisis line, overseen by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Between March 2023 and June 2025, and at the direction of Congress, 988 offered a specific service to meet the needs of LGBTQ young people. The service was ended under the Trump Administration in July 2025, at a time when utilization was increasing. This Policy Watch explores these policy developments and data on the LGBTQ line utilization.