Latest news with #TrevorProject
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Where LGBTQ+ youth in L.A. can find mental health support right now
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration announced last week that it will phase out the 'Press 3' option on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which had previously directed LGBTQ+ youth to specialized counselors. The change is part of a broader restructuring aimed at integrating services and providing a unified response for all individuals seeking mental health support. In a statement, SAMHSA said it would no longer silo services for 'LGB+ youth' and instead consolidate resources to support all help seekers through a single point of access. Notably, the agency's updated language referred only to 'LGB+' individuals, omitting the 'T' that typically stands for transgender, drawing scrutiny from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. '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 agency said. 'Anyone who calls the Lifeline will continue to receive compassion and help.' Prior to the 'Press 3' option was introduced, the Trevor Project—an organization focused on suicide prevention among LGBTQ+ young people—was the sole provider of the service. It has since become one of seven organizations that make up the LGBTQ Youth Subnetwork. Jaymes Black, CEO of the Trevor Project, called the decision 'devastating' and criticized what they described as a politically motivated rollback of an evidence-based, bipartisan support system. 'Suicide prevention is about people, not politics,' Black said in a statement. 'The administration's decision to remove a bipartisan, evidence-based service that has effectively supported a high-risk group of young people through their darkest moments is incomprehensible. The fact that this news comes to us halfway through Pride Month is callous — as is the administration's choice to remove the 'T' from the acronym 'LGBTQ+' in their announcement. Transgender people can never, and will never, be erased.' The lifeline has served more than 1.3 million LGBTQ+ youth since its inception, according to the Trevor Project. Black emphasized that the organization's own counselors remain available around the clock and encouraged youth to reach out directly. 'I want every LGBTQ+ young person to know that you are worthy, you are loved, and you belong – despite this heartbreaking news,' Black said. 'The Trevor Project's crisis counselors are here for you 24/7, just as we always have been, to help you navigate anything you might be feeling right now.' The Trump Administration's change to the 988 lifeline will take effect in less than 30 days. In the meantime, LGBTQ+ individuals, families, and advocates are being urged to explore alternative mental health resources, and for Angelenos there's various options available. For those in the Los Angeles area, the following organizations provide inclusive, culturally competent mental health services for LGBTQ+ individuals. The following list was curated by the Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles County's Alternative Crisis Response: Access the county's 24/7 helpline at (800) 854-7771 for culturally responsive mental health professionals trained to serve LGBTQ+ individuals. The Trevor Project: Offers nationwide crisis services and peer support. Reach out by texting 'START' to 678-678, calling (866) 488-7386, or visiting for live chat support. Trans Lifeline: A nonprofit staffed by trans individuals, providing emotional and financial support. Call (877) 565-8860, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT. Desi LGBTQ+ Helpline (DEQH): Offers support to South Asian LGBTQ+ individuals. Call (908) 367-3374 on Thursdays and Sundays, 5 to 7 p.m. PT, or submit a request online. Los Angeles LGBT Center: Provides housing, legal aid, healthcare, and mental health services. Visit or call (323) 993-7400. APLA Health: With eight locations in LA and Long Beach, APLA offers comprehensive health and support services. Appointments available online. Yellow Chair Collective: Specializing in culturally responsive, LGBTQ+-affirming counseling, especially for Asian American and multicultural clients. More info at Planned Parenthood: Some centers offer gender-affirming care and mental health support groups for queer youth ages 14 to 21. Visit for locations and services. CalHOPE: A state-run resource offering free mental health support and links to LGBTQ+-affirming services. Call (833) 317-4673 or visit As national infrastructure shifts, mental health professionals and advocates emphasize that timely, culturally competent care remains essential—particularly for LGBTQ+ youth, who continue to face elevated risks of depression, anxiety and suicide. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Axios
3 days ago
- Health
- Axios
California LGBTQ+ youth lose suicide hotline support
The Trump administration is removing suicide counselors for LGBTQ+ youth from the 988 crisis hotline. Why it matters: Those kids already face barriers to mental health care in California. President Trump is targeting a group that is more than four times as likely than its peers to attempt suicide. Driving the news: Starting July 17, callers will no longer be connected to the Trevor Project 's specialized hotline, because the service ran out of congressionally directed funding, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. The hotline's general services will remain available. What they're saying: "This is devastating, and we fear there will be compounding consequences. It is intentionally cruel for this to happen during Pride month," said Lance Toma, CEO of the San Francisco Community Health Center. Zoom in: The San Francisco metro area is home to the highest concentration of LGBTQ+ people in the U.S., per 2021 Williams Institute estimates. Stunning stat: 35% of LGBTQ+ young people in California, including 39% of transgender and nonbinary youth, seriously considered suicide in the past year, according to a 2024 survey by The Trevor Project. Both figures are slightly lower than the nationwide statistics. Between the lines: As some providers scale back services for LGBTQ+ youth, Toma told Axios that his organization will continue to provide gender-affirming medical care, case management and mental health services through their drop-in clinic TransThrive, and housing support via the Taimon Booton Navigation Center. "Right now, LGBTQ+ youth need to know they are not alone. They belong. And we are fighting for them," Toma said. State of play: California lands near the middle of the pack when it comes to using 988, which launched in 2022 to help address America's mental health crisis. By the numbers: California saw a rate of 25.5 contacts per 1,000 people last year, making it the 21st-highest in the nation, per new research published in JAMA Network Open. The national average was 23.7. Alaska (45.3) and Vermont (40.2) had the highest 988 contact rates among states in 2024, while Delaware (12.5) and Alabama (14.4) had the lowest.
Los Angeles Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
Trump will end crisis hotline for LGBTQ+ youth. But L.A. has options for those in need
A national hotline will no longer provide services specifically for LGBTQ+ youths in crisis. The Trump administration is ending that support next month. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has counselors for anyone in emotional distress or contemplating suicide but also has connected LGBTQ+ youth with specially trained counselors. Research has shown this population experiences significantly higher rates of suicidal ideation. But that specialized service will end July 17. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which funds the 988 hotline, said in a statement that callers would no longer have the option to 'press 3' for LGBTQ+-specific services. The agency said it would not 'silo LGB+ youth services' but rather focus on serving all who are seeking help. For members of the LGBTQ+ community in Los Angeles, there are other options, with specifically trained mental health counselors. But advocates for the 988 service say its loss will leave a hole in crisis intervention. This is one more way that people are going to feel like they're not seen, aren't sure of where to reach out for help or don't feel safe enough to seek support, said Terra Russell-Slavin, chief impact officer with the Los Angeles LGBT Center. They noted that the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration announcement used the acronym 'LGB+.' Despite trans youth being a group vulnerable to suicidal ideation, they said, 'they literally ... removed the word 'trans' from the purpose of the hotline.' In less than 30 days, the program that 'has provided life-saving services to more than 1.3 million LGBTQ+ young people' nationwide will no longer be available for those who need it,' said Jaymes Black in a statement. Black is chief executive of the Trevor Project, which has been providing counseling targeted at LGBTQ+ youth through the 988 hotline since 2022. 'The administration's decision to remove a bipartisan, evidence-based service that has effectively supported a high-risk group of young people through their darkest moments is incomprehensible,' Black said. Linda Yoon, founder of Yellow Chair Collective, said the Trevor Project has been a lifesaving resource for many queer youth, including some of the collective's clients. The group provides LGBTQ+ affirming counseling among other services and focuses on providing mental health support for Asian American and multicultural populations. 'Losing that federally funded support is incredibly concerning,' Yoon told The Times. 'These specialized services exist for a reason — they meet needs that general services often overlook or are unequipped to address.' Queer youth experience significantly higher rates of suicidal ideation than their non-LGBTQ+ peers, experts say. More than 1.8 million LGBTQ+ young people in the United States seriously consider suicide each year, and at least one attempts suicide every 45 seconds, according to the Trevor Project. Yoon and her team see youths in crisis in their clinical work. 'Many of our LGBTQ+ youth clients come in with more complex, high-risk cases,' she said, 'especially when they come from unsupportive or unsafe family environments — which, unfortunately, still happens far too often.' More than 50 queer youths seek services from Yellow Chair Collective per year, and many are looking for support after a crisis or when they've struggled to access the care they need elsewhere. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline was a resource that the collective made known to clients. Going forward, the group will refer them to the Trevor Project, which Yoon said would continue to offer crisis support independently, 24/7. The Trevor Project can be reached at (866) 488-7386. You can also text or chat. In 2022, about 17 years after the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline was launched with a federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 988 began the pilot phase of its specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth. At the time, the Trevor Project served as the sole provider of the services. Eventually it was one of seven centers providing help. Last year, according to the Trevor Project, its counselors helped an estimated 500,000 people — nearly half of whom came through the 988 hotline. At the local level, the Los Angeles County Mental Health Department offers a crisis helpline that's staffed 24/7 to connect residents with resources including mental health professionals with specific training and programs designed for LGBTQ+ individuals and families. Yoon still fears the consequences of losing the 988 service for high-risk queer youth. Its help has been not only tailored but also prompt. 'We know in a crisis being able to respond within a timely manner is very important,' she said. As for Russell-Salvin, they worry about the moment of crisis, when the right contact can make all the difference. They fear that having to find a new, appropriate number to call could be one obstacle too many. 'All of those things are just going to create more barriers,' they said, 'and those barriers are part of what's contributing to the harm.' Los Angeles County's Alternative Crisis Response: Through this program, you can access the county's 24/7 helpline at (800) 854-7771 to connect with culturally responsive services and resources, including mental health professionals specifically trained and programs that are specially designed for LGBTQ+ individuals. The Trevor Project: The project provides crisis services and peer support nationwide. You can access services by texting 'START' to 678-678, calling the hotline at (866)-488-7386 or by live chatting with a professional online. Trans Lifeline: The grassroots hotline and nonprofit organization offers direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis. You can call the hotline, (877) 565-8860, Monday through Friday for assistance between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Pacific. There are certain holidays that the hotline is closed; a complete list can be found online. Desi LGBTQ+ Helpline: DEQH offers free, confidential, culturally sensitive peer support, information and resources for LGBTQ+ South Asian individuals and families. You can get in touch with trained volunteers by filling out an online form or by calling (908) 367-3374 on Thursday and Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. Pacific. Los Angeles LGBT Center: At its 10 locations, the center offers housing, legal aid, healthcare and mental health services to youth and adults who identify as part of the queer and trans communities. A full list of services can be found online or by calling (323) 993-7400. APLAHealth: At eight locations in Los Angeles and Long Beach, the provider offers healthcare, mental health, food, housing and other support services to the LGBTQ+ community. You can make an appointment for a specific service online. Yellow Chair Collective: The team is trained in and practices culturally responsive, trauma-informed, LGBTQ+ affirming counseling and psychotherapy services. The practice specializes in serving Asian American and multicultural clients. You can learn more about their services or schedule an appointment online. Planned Parenthood: Participating locations provide mental and physical health resources for LGBTQ+ community members. Resources include support groups for queer youth ages 14 to 21 and gender-affirming healthcare. You can view all services and make an appointment at a local healthcare facility online. CalHOPE: California offers online mental health support for youth and young adults through CalHOPE at (833) 317-4673; callers can also find guides to queer specific mental health services.
CBS News
20-06-2025
- Health
- CBS News
NYC-based organizations offer support for LGBTQ+ youth as suicide hotline option is terminated
New York City-based organizations are highlighting the need for resources for LGBTQ+ residents after the Trump administration announced it will end LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention services in a few weeks. The Trevor Project has been helping LGBTQ+ youth for decades and started providing specialized support for LGBTQ+ callers to the 988 National Suicide Prevention Hotline in 2022, but it has received a stop work order effective July 17. The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration said LGBTQ+ callers can still rely on hotline's general services, but advocates say this will greatly impact LGBTQ+ youth. "There's someone here to help you" "LGBTQ+ youth in our country are experiencing a mental health crisis," said Mark Henson, the Trevor Project's interim vice president of advocacy and government affairs. "That's the reason why these services were set up, so that tailored care can be available to help keep them alive." According to the nonprofit organization, 39% of LGBTQ+ young New Yorkers seriously considered suicide in the past year, and 12% attempted it. A recent study also revealed LGBTQ+ youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide compared to their peers. "If this program goes away, the question is will they feel comfortable reaching out?" Henson said. The Trevor Project says it will continue to provide crisis services through its own hotline, but it will be a lot harder. Henson has a message for LGBTQ+ youth struggling with mental health. "You deserve the right for support, and there's someone here to help you," he said. For more information on the services offered by the Trevor Project, visit Unique services available for LGBTQ+ youth in NYC The Queens Community House in Forest Hills has unique services specifically for LGBTQ+ youth, including a drop-in center. "We see that those individuals often feel more welcome and safe in dedicated programming and thrive there," Executive Director Ben Thomases said. "They know they're gonna be understood. They know that people are going to see them for who they are." Thomases said the organization is also doing work in schools throughout the borough to make that environment more welcoming, as well. For more information, visit Jewish Queer Youth (JQY) offers support to young Jewish New Yorkers struggling to find acceptance in their communities. "Cutting services for LGBTQ youth through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline will really have devastating and deadly consequences," Executive Director Rachael Fried said. "The fact that it exists, it sends a message that queer youth actually matter." There's still a few weeks before the youth service is eliminated. Advocates are petitioning and pushing for lawmakers to step in. In May, more than 100 House members signed a letter urging the health department to preserve the LGBTQ+ option, and seven senators signed a similar letter. If you or someone you know needs help, you can call or text 988 to speak with a trained, caring counselor 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also chat online with a counselor at
Chicago Tribune
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Heidi Stevens: Shutting down hotline services for LGBTQ+ youth is malice by Trump administration
There's cost-cutting, and then there's cruelty. President Donald Trump's administration appears determined to blur that line to the point of indistinction, using the former, over and over, to justify the latter. The decision to abruptly shut down the LGBTQ+ portion of a youth suicide and crisis hotline — a service that has no doubt saved countless lives — is the latest example. The Trevor Project, a nonprofit focused on suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth, received a stop work order, effective July 17, for the crisis services it provides to the national 988 suicide and crisis hotline. Since 2022, the group has provided crisis services to LGBTQ+ youth who contact the 988 Lifeline by offering them the option of being connected to counselors trained specifically in mental health for individuals who identify as LGBTQ+. After July 17, the 988 Lifeline will remain in place, but will no longer provide specialized LGBTQ+ crisis counseling. A White House spokesman told the New York Times that the specialized portion of the hotline had 'run out of congressionally directed funding,' and continuing to fund it would jeopardize the entire operation. 'This is devastating, to say the least,' the Trevor Project wrote in a statement. 'Suicide prevention is about people, not politics. The administration's decision to remove a bipartisan, evidence-based service that has effectively supported a high-risk group of young people through their darkest moments is incomprehensible.' Trevor Project counselors helped about 500,000 people in 2024, 231,000 of whom came through the 988 line, Zach Eisenstein, a spokesman for the organization, told The New York Times. Trevor Project is encouraging people to visit to help fight the decision, which Congress could, in theory, reverse. It's unconscionable that it's come to this. It's unconscionable that the physical, mental and emotional health of young people is on the chopping block because of who they are and who they love. It's unconscionable that our leaders, elected to serve and protect us, are instead finding new ways, daily, to degrade our humanity. I called my friend and former podcast partner John Duffy, a clinical therapist who specializes in adolescent mental health, to get his take on the hotline shutdown. I wanted to hear from someone whose funding isn't being cut, but who is nonetheless on the front lines of suicide prevention. I trust Duffy like no other on this topic — for his wise and enormous heart, for his evidence-based approach to helping young people and because he lost his own brother to suicide in 2001. He is, in a word, heartbroken. 'By the time a kid feels inclined to call a hotline,' Duffy said, 'they are hopeless and they don't feel understood. If you are in the LGBTQ community and you feel hopeless and misunderstood, you don't have the luxury of shopping around. You need someone on that line who understands you now.' LGBTQ+ youth often face family rejection, cultural rejection, discrimination, fear of personal violence, losing their civil rights — issues that call for an intentional, specified approach to care, Duffy said. 'Their mental health is a very delicate space,' he said. 'They need and deserve people who can handle that space with care. And to take that away when they're in a crisis state? It's lethal.' Duffy said he began hearing from his clients as soon as the order made headlines. 'It feels to them like things are just going to get worse,' he said. 'They feel like they're being targeted directly. They feel like they're not going to have the support they need. They feel hated by massive groups of people just by virtue of who they are.' Often, he said, his LGBTQ+ clients are struggling to accept themselves even as they're struggling for acceptance from the people they know and love. 'Many of them aren't comfortable with the idea of being L, G, B, T or Q,' he said. 'It's confusing and perplexing to them, even as they're trying to make other people comfortable with it. And the chance that they reach out in crisis and they hang up feeling unheard and misunderstood? The chance that their suicidal ideation remains, or they make a move to take their lives? That all just increased exponentially.' There is zero defense for this. Zero. Straight kids are impacted by the decision as well, Duffy said. They worry about their LGBTQ+ friends. They wonder what kind of world they're graduating into, growing into, and maybe, one day, bringing their own kids into. Hope feels hard for them to come by, he said. 'It's another indication of the depletion of the humanity of our systems,' he said. And for what? For cost-cutting? I don't buy it. The cruelty is the point. And it's costing us dearly.
