Crisis & Suicide Prevention · Texas behavioral health news
Texas 988 Crisis System Faces Strain After LGBTQ Option Is Removed - outsmartmagazine.com
988 Lifeline / Crisis (Google News) · January 23, 2026
In plain language
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has removed the specialized LGBTQ+ youth phone option, leading to concerns about the impact on Texans at high risk for suicide. While all callers can still reach trained counselors through the general line, the specialized subnetwork provided counselors with specific training and lived experience. This change, combined with potential federal funding cuts, is putting additional strain on Texas crisis centers that were already facing financial deficits and a growing number of calls.
AI-generated summary of the source article. Not medical advice.
Key takeaways
- The specialized 988 call option for LGBTQ+ youth has been discontinued by the federal government.
- Texas crisis centers are currently operating with a seven million dollar funding deficit.
- Call volumes to the Texas 988 system have increased significantly over the last two years.
- LGBTQ+ youth are over four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers.
- Texas lawmakers have created a crisis trust fund but have not yet dedicated state money to it.
Texas 988 Crisis System Faces Strain After LGBTQ Option Is Removed outsmartmagazine.com
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