For those in need of mental health support, remembering the number for a crisis hotline can be difficult. But we all know to dial 911 in an emergency, which is why the FCC in July voted to designate 988 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL).
The commission gave wireless carriers until July 2022 to complete their 988 rollouts, but T-Mobile announced Friday that customers can now call 988 for access to free emergency mental health services provided by the NSPL.
According to T-Mobile, the company is the first carrier to offer support for the hotline number. The carrier’s chief technology officer, Abdul Saad, called making he number “a matter of urgency” in terms of the COVID-19 pandemic and the impending holiday season.
The Lifeline—which can also be reached by dialing 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)—offers support from a national network of local crisis centers. Free, confidential assistance is available for callers on a 24/7 basis. Callers can find a therapist, specific resources for their individual needs, or just have someone to speak to during difficult times in their lives in addition to speaking to crisis support workers.
In a statement provided to Engadget, AT&T announced it’s working on providing its customers with access to 988 “in the months ahead.” Verizon said last year that it “welcomes” the 988 designation, but has not announced any specific 988 rollout plans yet. For now, AT&T and Verizon customers can continue calling 1-800-273-8255.
