The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in Rhode Island will maintain options for LGBTQ+ youth
Note that the stories being spread online about a Canadian hotline for Americans are false. In Rhode Island, use 988.
Correction: The Press 3 option will be gone starting July 17th because it was a national service. So, even here in RI, that Press 3 Option will be gone. Someone calling in will get our counselors, and they will be receiving our LGBTQ affirming support/services, not the national ones, because the Trump Administration is cutting funding for that national line/support.
In other words, starting on July 17th, you can still access LGBTQ+ affirming services without the Press 3 option.
From a press release:
Effective July 17, 2025, the federal government is implementing a national change to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by removing the “Press 3” option, which connected LGBTQ+ youth to affirming crisis counselors through The Trevor Project and a subnetwork of six other contact centers with specialists who provide 988 services to LGBTQ+ young people.
In light of this change, we affirm that Rhode Island’s 988 services remain fully operational, locally connected, and available to all individuals, including LGBTQ+ youth and adults.
National statistics indicate nearly 40% of LGBTQ+ young people reported seriously considering suicide in the last year (2024 National Survey on LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health). We remain committed to serving all people with dignity, respect, and compassion. We will continue to advocate for crisis systems that meet the needs of all Rhode Islanders, including the LGBTQ+ community.
The Press 1 option for the Veterans Crisis Line and the Press 2 option for support in Spanish remain active and available.
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress, thoughts of suicide, or a mental health or substance use crisis, help is always available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org 24/7 to be connected with trained crisis counselors. Rhode Island crisis counselors are here to listen, support, and help.
Lastly, there has been misinformation spreading on social media that Canada has launched a suicide crisis line for LGBTQ+ Americans in the wake of the news of the federal change to the Press 3 option. No new Canadian hotline has been created. HHP urges Rhode Islanders not to spread this misinformation on their social media channels and instead urges Rhode Islanders to access the 988-line, which is answered here in our state.
Correction: The Press 3 option will be gone starting July 17th because it was a national service. So, even here in RI, that Press 3 Option will be gone. Someone calling in will get our counselors, and they will be receiving our LGBTQ affirming support/services, not the national ones, because the Trump Administration is cutting funding for that national line/support.
In other words, starting on July 17th, you can still access LGBTQ+ affirming services without the Press 3 option.
Thanks for posting this - The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline represents a beacon of hope for LGBTQ+ young people across the United States who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide, mental health challenges, or simply need someone to talk to during a difficult moment. When you dial 988, you're connected to trained counselors who understand that being LGBTQ+ can come with unique stresses and challenges – from family rejection and bullying to internal struggles with identity and belonging. These counselors are specifically trained to provide affirming, non-judgmental support that recognizes your identity as valid and worthy of care.
What makes 988 particularly valuable for LGBTQ+ youth is its accessibility and inclusivity. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ensuring that help is always just three digits away. You don't need to worry about insurance, costs, or whether your local area has LGBTQ+ friendly resources, the lifeline connects you to support that's designed to meet you where you are. Beyond crisis intervention, the counselors can help connect you to local LGBTQ+ organizations, mental health services, and community groups that can provide longer-term support in you need it.
Sometimes the hardest part of this journey is finding the inner strength to pick up the phone and ask for the help you need and deserve to have. But taking that first step – dialing those three numbers – can be the beginning of finding your way to a brighter, more authentic future where you're surrounded by people who nurture and support you.