# Add an in-app message
URL: https://docs.awellhealth.com/docs/design-care-flows/add-and-configure-an-in-app-message

> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.awellhealth.com/llms.txt).



A message shows content to a patient or a care team member: an alert for a caregiver, a reminder of a
consultation, a brochure before treatment.

## Sensitive content belongs in a message, not an email [#sensitive-content-belongs-in-a-message-not-an-email]

* **Message** shows the content inside Awell. Use it for anything sensitive, including protected health
  information and details of a patient's treatment or condition.
* **Send email** delivers a plain templated email to an inbox. See
  [Send email notifications](/docs/design-care-flows/send-email-notifications).

An email sits in an inbox the care team doesn't control, so clinical detail belongs in an in-app
message.

## Add a message [#add-a-message]

1. Double-click the step that will hold the message.
2. Click **Add action** and choose **Message**.

## The recipient sees the subject and content, not the action title [#the-recipient-sees-the-subject-and-content-not-the-action-title]

* **Action title.** For co-builders and reviewers, not the recipient. Describe the content.
* **Recipient.** Who receives it.
* **Subject.** This becomes the activity title the patient sees in their overview, so write it for
  them.
* **Content.** The message text, with rich media supported.

## Next steps [#next-steps]

* [Add files, images and videos](/docs/design-care-flows/add-files-images-and-videos) to a message.
* [Use variables](/docs/design-care-flows/use-variables-in-your-actions) to address someone by name.