This article is for clients using the Oasys client iOS app.
Messages is secure messaging with your provider inside the Oasys app (not SMS texting, unless your practice also texts you through notification settings).
Messages is a bottom tab. You can also open it from Home (for example Message {name}).
In this article:
1. Open Messages
Tap Messages in the bottom tab bar. It shows a count when you have unread messages.
You can also tap Message {first name} on Home (or the message control on your provider / session card), or Message your provider on More → My Provider.
The screen title is Messages.
You need messaging turned on for your practice and your provider accepting messages. Guardians: switch to the correct account first.
💡 Your practice team can also message you, for things like billing, paperwork, or scheduling. Those conversations appear in Messages alongside your provider thread, with the staff member’s name on the row. Only the practice can start one; you reply inside it.
2. Send and read messages
Your provider’s row shows their name and a preview (or No messages yet).
Empty thread: “Send a message to start the conversation.”
Composer placeholder: Type a message... in your provider’s conversation, or Message {name}... in a conversation with your practice team.
Statuses can include Sending..., Delivered, Read, or Not delivered · Tap to retry.
Day labels: Today / Yesterday.
A message you send appears on your other signed-in devices as you send it.
If you haven’t messaged your provider yet, they are listed in Messages with No messages yet. Open the row to see an empty conversation, and your first message starts it. If that message can’t be delivered, it stays in the box with “Your message wasn't sent. Try again.” When there is nobody you can message right now, the screen says No messages yet: “Messages from your care team will appear here.” If you’re not connected yet: No messages yet: “Messages with your provider will appear here once you're connected.”
3. When messaging isn’t available
You may see Messaging isn't available — “Your provider isn't accepting messages at this time. You can connect during your scheduled sessions.”
If the Messages tab and the Home message button are missing, messaging may be off for this account. Ask your practice.
A conversation with a provider who isn’t your current provider is listed in Messages with a Disabled badge. You can open it and read past messages, but you can’t send. In place of the message box it says “You're no longer connected with this provider. You can still read past messages.” above Messaging disabled.
While viewing a child’s account, messaging still works for reading/sending when allowed, but uses a simpler connection (you won’t see live typing the same way as on an adult account).
4. What messaging is not for
Emergencies — call local emergency services or use More → Crisis Resources (988). Do not wait for a reply.
Guaranteed same-day clinical advice — response times vary by practice.
Paying invoices — use More → Billing & Payments.
Joining video — use Join Now / Join Session on Home or Sessions.
💡 An AI Health Assistant chat is not available in the patient iOS app. If you see AI tools elsewhere, that is on the Oasys website (not in this app).
5. Notifications
Control alerts for Secure messages under More → Notifications (channels can include Push, Email, and SMS when your practice enables them).
Unread counts appear on the Messages tab, and can also appear on Home’s bell / message entry.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Messages?
It’s a bottom tab. If you don’t see it, messaging may be off for this account, so ask your practice.Can I message the front desk in the app?
Yes, once the practice messages you. The conversation appears in Messages, where you can reply. You cannot start one yourself, so call the practice if nothing is there yet.My message says Not delivered.
Tap to retry. Check your connection. If it keeps failing, contact your practice.Is this the same as texting my provider’s cell phone?
No. This is secure in-app messaging. SMS reminders (if enabled) are separate notification settings.