988 Suicide Lifeline Expanding LGBTQ Services with 24/7 Chat and Text
July 07, 2023
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is offering 24/7 specialized services for LGBTQ+ young people. In September, the Lifeline launched a LGBTQ+ pilot program that offered call services around the clock as well as chat and text during select hours. From the start of the pilot through the end of February, about 6 percent of Lifeline calls and 11 percent of chats and texts went to the LGBTQ+ line. The demand for these services exceeded expectations, according to Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, SAMHSA’s assistant secretary for mental health and substance use. “This response has shown us the value in providing a specialized service for LGBTQI+ young people, who we know are at higher risk for suicide,” said Delphin-Rittmon. In March, Lifeline expanded the program to make all services available 24/7. To access them, LGBTQ+ people under age 25 can call 988 and press 3 or opt in via chat or text.
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