Access to the 988 LGBTQ+ Youth Lifeline Restored

Access to the 988 LGBTQ+ youth lifeline (known as Option 3) has finally been restored after months of advocacy and congressional intervention. This program allows LGBTQ+ young people to connect with a specialized crisis counselor when they call the 988 Lifeline. Through option 3, more than 1.5 million LGBTQ+ young people have received free compassionate support.

In July 2025, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration suspended Option 3 despite significant and ongoing need for the program. This suspension sparked passionate advocacy from the LGBTQ+ and mental health community.

Congress heard, and in February, they passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (P.L. 119-75), which provided dedicated funding for Option 3. After eight months, this essential program has finally been restored.  

To the counseling community: thank you for your advocacy! ACA advocates sent more than 1,300 letters to Congress about the LGBTQ+ youth lifeline, championing the program and ensuring congressional action.  

Tell your network that Option 3 is restored and continue advocating with us!  

If you have any questions or would like to become more involved in ACA’s advocacy efforts, please contact us at advocacy@counseling.org.