988 Helpline in Central Maryland Affirms Ongoing Commitment to Lifesaving Support for LGBTQ+ Young People
The 988 Helpline will continue to serve as a trusted support for all people
July 17, 2025—Today the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) ends the 988 LGBTQ+ youth subnetwork (the “Press 3” option), a specialized support line dedicated to support LGBTQ+ youth and young adults. While the federally mandated change removes the “Press 3” option that previously connected callers to a separate support line specifically to serve LGBTQ+ youth, the Central Maryland 988 helpline is still here to provide free, confidential support to the LGBTQ+ community.
“Although this option is going away, the 988 Helpline is still available to provide free, confidential support to anyone who calls looking for help,” said Adrienne Breidenstine, vice president, Policy & Communications at Behavioral Health System Baltimore (BHSB). “We are committed to serving everyone who calls or texts 988, including people who identify as LGBTQ+.”
The 988 Helpline in Central Maryland receives approximately 4,500 calls a month and most callers resolve their issues over the phone, with resources and information provided by the 988 specialists. 988 has the ability to deploy mobile crisis teams, a team of a mental health clinician and a person with lived experience, who go into the community to provide in-person support to individuals and families.
Through a pilot program with the state of Maryland’s Behavioral Health Administration and The Trevor Project, leadership at the 988 Helpline in Central Maryland has been certified to provide specialized trainings designed by The Trevor Project that have prepared 988 specialists to support LGBTQ+ young people, whether they need a non-judgmental supportive conversation, or are experiencing a crisis, or having feelings and/or thoughts of suicide.
“Many of our 988 call takers are themselves members of the LGBTQ+ community and all of them are fully prepared to support callers seeking help,” said Johnathan Davis, executive director of Baltimore Crisis Response, Inc. (BCRI). “If you identify as LGBTQ+ and are experiencing distress, 988 is here for you.”
988 specialists are deeply experienced professionals and empathetic individuals, many of whom have gone through some of the same experiences faced by LGBTQ+ young people. They are fully equipped to respond to the diverse needs of our community.
“Chase Brexton deeply understands the importance of resources for this community at this time. We are glad to hear the training, and services continue to be available,” said Lisa Pearson, vice president, Behavioral Health at Chase Brexton Health Care.
People experiencing a mental health, substance use, or emotional crisis can call or text 988 24/7 to be connected with crisis counselors. 988 is here to help everyone.