Texas crisis centers are under growing strain following the removal of the LGBTQ+ youth option from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a change that coincides with rising call volumes and unstable funding.
Loss of Targeted Support
The Trump administration ended the “Press 3” option last summer, which had connected LGBTQ+ youth to specially trained counselors, arguing the program was too costly and that services should be unified. Advocates say the move erased a trusted entry point for a group with a higher risk of suicide.
Calls Rise as Resources Shrink
Since 2022, the LGBTQ+ subnetwork handled nearly 1.3 million contacts nationwide. In Texas, monthly calls to 988 have climbed sharply, topping 25,000 in December 2025, reports the Texas Tribune. Crisis centers, already facing millions in funding shortfalls, must now handle calls previously routed to specialized networks.
Funding at Risk
Texas’ 988 system depends largely on federal grants, with key funding set to expire later this year. Although lawmakers created a state trust fund in 2025, no money has been allocated, leaving the hotline’s future uncertain.
Advocates Warn of Consequences
Mental health leaders caution that removing tailored services places additional pressure on overburdened counselors and could leave vulnerable youth without the support that once helped them through moments of crisis.
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