--- title: Messaging — Chat (Individual & Group Chat) description: The Chat tab in Messaging supports real-time communication between counselors, students, and parents. Chat can be used for individual conversations or group chats. --- [Skip to content](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/messaging-chat-individual-group-chat#main-content) English Show submenu for translations [![CounselMore College Planning Software Knowledge Base](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logos/CMLogo_CCS_wide_trans-w2000-1.gif?width=1116&height=125&name=CMLogo_CCS_wide_trans-w2000-1.gif)](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/?hsLang=en) Open main navigation Close main navigation - English Show submenu for translations Select below, or search by topic - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Knowledge Base : CounselMore Support](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/?hsLang=en) 2. [CLIENT MANAGEMENT](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/client-management?hsLang=en) 3. [Clients - Messages tab](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/client-management?hsLang=en#clients-messages-tab) # Messaging — Chat (Individual & Group Chat) ## The Chat tab in Messaging supports real-time communication between counselors, students, and parents. Chat can be used for individual conversations or group chats. ### **How Chat Appears in the Portal** In the **Messaging → Chat** tab, conversations are organized by **recipient** on the left panel. ![](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Feb-06-2026-03-06-15-6457-AM.png?width=583&height=300&name=image-png-Feb-06-2026-03-06-15-6457-AM.png) --- #### **Chat Categories** **![](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Feb-06-2026-03-29-35-2229-AM.png?width=205&height=248&name=image-png-Feb-06-2026-03-29-35-2229-AM.png)** - **Group** - **Student + All Contacts** This is the **group chat**, where the counselor, student, and all associated parent/guardian contacts can communicate together. - **Student** - Displays the **individual chat** between the counselor and the student only. - **Contacts** - Displays **individual chats** between the counselor and each contact (for example, mom or dad). Selecting any conversation opens the chat thread on the right, where messages, attachments, and notifications are managed. **Chat Availability** Chat is available to: - **Counselors** in the Counselor Portal - **Students** in the Student Portal - **Parents** in the Parent Portal - **Counselors and students on the mobile app** Chat supports two-way communication between counselors, students, and parents. --- #### **Individual Chats** Individual chats are one-to-one conversations between a counselor and a student or parent. ##### **Notification Rules for Individual Chats** - When a **counselor sends a chat to a student**, the **student receives a notification**          ![](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Feb-06-2026-03-15-20-5942-AM.png?width=261&height=189&name=image-png-Feb-06-2026-03-15-20-5942-AM.png)    ![](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Feb-06-2026-03-16-17-8495-AM.png?width=362&height=185&name=image-png-Feb-06-2026-03-16-17-8495-AM.png) - When a **counselor sends a chat to a parent**, **only the parent receives a notification** **![](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Feb-06-2026-03-20-15-2553-AM.png?width=509&height=237&name=image-png-Feb-06-2026-03-20-15-2553-AM.png)** - When a **student or parent sends a chat to a counselor**, the **counselor receives a notification** **![](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Feb-06-2026-03-21-36-5333-AM.png?width=515&height=346&name=image-png-Feb-06-2026-03-21-36-5333-AM.png)** For accounts with: - **Management Suite enabled**, and - **Secondary counselor assignment enabled** When a **student sends a chat**: - The **primary counselor** receives a notification - The **secondary counselor** also receives a notification --- #### **Group Chat** Group Chat allows **counselors, students, and parents** to communicate together in a shared conversation. ![](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Feb-06-2026-03-28-26-3657-AM.png?width=522&height=339&name=image-png-Feb-06-2026-03-28-26-3657-AM.png) ##### **Group Chat Notifications** - When a **counselor sends a message in a group chat**, **all participants** receive a notification - When a **student sends a message in a group chat**, **all participants** receive a notification - When a **parent sends a message in a group chat**, **all participants** receive a notification --- #### **Attachments** The Chat tab supports file sharing in both individual and group chats. ![](https://helpdesk.counselmore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Feb-06-2026-03-31-35-1404-AM.png?width=484&height=97&name=image-png-Feb-06-2026-03-31-35-1404-AM.png) Users can: - Attach **images** - Attach **files** --- #### **Mobile Chat Access** Chat is also available on the **mobile app** for counselors and students, allowing: - Two-way communication - Notifications on mobile devices - Messaging on the go --- #### **Important Note About Existing Chats** Old chats may be found under the Group Chats for students that have additional contacts. 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