6 LGBTQ+ Youth Crisis Mental Health Resources to Replace 988

In 2022, the national suicide lifeline —  988 — launched, creating the first nationwide support for people struggling with suicidal ideation in the U.S. The free, 24/7 lifeline marked a major milestone for mental health support. However, on July 17, 2025, 988 officially stopped serving LGBTQ+ youth.

The New York Times states, “The option for L.G.B.T.Q. support was established in 2022 based on a recognition that gay and transgender people experience distinct mental health issues — often driven by family rejection and societal discrimination — and have disproportionately high suicide rates.” Young LGBTQ+ people may fear coming out to their families and friends. They may also be bullied by peers or face discrimination at school, in the community and through legislation that denies gender-affirming care. If these young people are also people of color, disabled, neurodiverse or have lower socioeconomic status, their intersectional identities are multiplied, and they face more societal challenges.

Statistics also show that LGBTQ+ youth are more likely to struggle with mental health challenges. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) states, “LGBTQ+ youth are more than twice as likely to report experiencing persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness than their heterosexual peers. Transgender youth face further disparities as they are twice as likely to experience depressive symptoms, seriously consider suicide, and attempt suicide compared to cisgender lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and questioning youth.”

Despite these services no longer being offered through 988, organizations like The Trevor Project have stepped up to fill the gap. According to the New York Times, “The Trevor Project said it would continue to provide crisis services through its own hotline. ‘I want every L.G.B.T.Q.+ young person to know that you are worthy, you are loved and you belong — despite this heartbreaking news,’ Jaymes Black, its chief executive, said in a statement. ‘The Trevor Project’s crisis counselors are here for you 24/7, just as we always have been.’”

Here are some local and national emergency resources for LGBTQ+ youth in the U.S.

The Trevor Project

“The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ young people. We provide information & support to LGBTQ+ young people 24/7, all year round. If you are thinking about harming yourself — get immediate crisis support. Connect to a crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the U.S via text, chat, or phone. The Trevor Project is 100% confidential and 100% free.” You can also donate to help the Trevor Project continue to support LGBTQ+ youth.

OutFront Minnesota

OutFront Minnesota’s website states, “Each year, OutFront Minnesota’s Anti-Violence Program assists with more than 1,000 incidents of anti-LGBTQ+ bias/hate violence, relationship abuse, and sexual assault. We provide crisis intervention services, confidential crisis counseling, and other advocacy services for LGBTQ+ victims/survivors of violence and harassment.”

“If you would like to speak with a trained LGBTQ+ Anti-Violence Program advocate at OutFront Minnesota, who can connect you to resources or talk through options regarding your current situation, please call us at 800.800.0350, or email avp@outfront.org.”

The helpline is answered Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Trans Lifeline

“Trans Lifeline's Hotline is a peer support phone service run by trans people for our trans and questioning peers. Call us if you need someone trans to talk to, even if you're not in a crisis or if you're not sure you're trans. Call (877) 565-8860 in the U.S.”

Trans Lifeline's hotline is available Monday-Friday from 12 p.m.– 8 p.m. Central time.

The Bridge for Youth

“The Bridge for Youth centers youth voice, justice, and equity in all we do, and empowers youth experiencing homelessness through safe shelter, basic needs, and healthy relationships.” You can reach The Bridge for Youth Response Center by calling 612-377-8800, or texting  (612) 400-SAFE. The helpline is available 24/7/365 and provides immediate resources and support.

Minnesota Warmline - Mental Health Minnesota

The Minnesota Warmline is for young people who are struggling with their mental health, but aren’t having a mental health crisis. The website states, “Looking for support? Need to talk? If you’re struggling with your mental health, but aren’t experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, reach out to the Minnesota Warmline.”

The Minnesota Warmline operates seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Their number is 651-288-0400. You can also text “Support” to 8551, or start an online chat.

Fraser

Fraser doesn’t have an emergency helpline. However, Fraser is one of Minnesota’s first intersectional mental health providers, as one of the first organizations to offer mental healthcare to individuals with disabilities. Today, Fraser Mental Health has therapists who identify as LGBTQ+ and those who accept and affirm the identity of those within the LGBTQ+ community.

Fraser understands that having a therapist who understands you or your child’s unique concerns is important. The nonprofit also offers therapy groups for young people with autism who are exploring their gender or sexual orientation. Fraser therapists meet individuals where they are — whether they’re struggling to come out, need help with bullying or simply want someone to listen. When you call to schedule an appointment, you can ask about being paired with an affirming therapist.