What Is 988 “Press 3” & Why It Matters

In 2022, the United States launched the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a nationwide system designed to provide immediate mental health support by phone, text, or chat. Built to connect people in crisis with trained counselors, 988 offers de-escalation, emotional support, and referrals to ongoing care.

Since its launch, millions of people have turned to 988 in moments of urgent need, underscoring how essential accessible, responsive crisis support is for individuals and families.

How Does “Press 3” Work?

One key feature of the system was a specialized routing option known as “Press 3.” This option allowed callers to connect directly with counselors trained to support LGBTQ+ youth — a population that faces disproportionately high rates of suicide risk.

These counselors are equipped to understand the realities many LGBTQ+ young people navigate, including family rejection, discrimination, and fear of being misunderstood. When youth can speak with someone who affirms their identity and experiences, they are more likely to trust the service, stay engaged, and receive the support they need.

Why Specialized Support Matters

The need for identity-affirming care is clear. Research shows that LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide compared with their heterosexual peers.

Access to culturally competent, specialized crisis support can be life-saving, especially for young people who may not feel safe or understood in other spaces.

What Changed in 2025

In July 2025, the federal government ended contracts that supported the 988 LGBTQ+ youth subnetwork, effectively eliminating the Press 3 option.

Prior to its removal, this subnetwork had routed more than 1.5 million contacts to specialized services nationwide. Its loss represents a significant gap in a system designed to meet people where they are.

The Impact in California

In California alone, the need for these services has been substantial. Between July 2024 and June 2025, the LGBTQ+ youth subnetwork received approximately 73,000 calls from the state — about 9 percent of all contacts to the subnetwork.

These numbers reflect not only demand, but trust in a system that recognized and responded to young people’s lived experiences.

How AB 1540 Responds

To address this gap, AB 1540 seeks to restore the “Press 3” option for California callers. The bill would require the state to ensure that 988 can once again route youth to specialized LGBTQ+ crisis counselors, while also providing the funding needed to sustain this critical infrastructure.

A Statewide Effort to Strengthen Care

The California Alliance of Child and Family Services — representing more than 160 community-based organizations serving over 1 million children, youth, and families — is actively advocating for the passage of AB 1540.

Through legislative engagement, coalition-building, and statewide advocacy, the Alliance is working to ensure that California’s crisis response system reflects the needs of the communities it serves.

As part of this broader network, Open Doors contributes to a continuum of care focused on prevention, connection, and equity. While 988 responds in moments of crisis, Open Doors equips youth-serving adults with the tools to build trust, have honest conversations, and support young people before situations escalate.

Why This Matters

Restoring specialized crisis support is about more than reinstating a phone option. It is about ensuring that every young person who reaches out for help hears a voice that understands them and is prepared to respond with care.

Advancing solutions like AB 1540 move us closer to a system where no young person has to navigate a crisis alone.