988 LGBTQ+ Youth Access Act of 2025

Progress

Timeline

• Mar 19Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Hearings held.

Summary

**988 LGBTQ+ Youth Access Act of 2025 (S 2826)** This bill would require specialized training for staff at the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to better support LGBTQ+ youth callers. The 988 line is the national mental health crisis hotline that anyone can call for help. **What it does:** Mandates that crisis counselors receive specific training on LGBTQ+ youth issues, mental health challenges, and culturally competent care. **Who it affects:** - LGBTQ+ youth who contact the crisis line - Crisis counselors and staff who would receive the training - Organizations that operate 988 call centers **What would change:** Crisis line staff would be better equipped to understand and respond to the unique challenges LGBTQ+ young people face, potentially improving the quality of support provided during mental health crises. The bill is currently under review in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.

How This Affects You