The 988 Lifeline ends its "Press 3" service for LGBTQ+ youth, alarming mental health advocates.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline will discontinue its specialized "Press 3" option for LGBTQ+ youth starting Thursday, raising concerns among mental health advocates. The service, which connected youth to counselors trained to address LGBTQ+ issues, had over 1.3 million users since its launch in 2022. Despite the closure, the Trevor Project and other organizations will continue to offer 24/7 support through their own hotlines and chat platforms. The decision not to renew federal funding for the service has sparked worries about the mental health of vulnerable LGBTQ+ youth, particularly in rural areas.