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CareSupport is a Python-based care coordination system that communicates via SMS/iMessage. This guide covers complete installation and dependency setup.

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System Requirements

  • Python: 3.9 or higher
  • Operating System: Linux, macOS, or Windows (WSL recommended)
  • Terminal: Bash-compatible shell for running scripts
  • Network: Outbound HTTPS access for API calls

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Python Dependencies

CareSupport uses a minimal set of production-grade Python libraries: 
pip install openai anthropic python-dotenv

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Core Dependencies

PackagePurposeVersion
openaiOpenRouter API clientLatest
anthropicDirect Anthropic API accessLatest
python-dotenvEnvironment variable managementLatest
The openai package is used for OpenRouter API access (not OpenAI directly). CareSupport routes through OpenRouter to access Claude Haiku and other models.

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API Keys and Accounts

CareSupport requires three types of API credentials:

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1. AI Provider (Required)

Choose one of the following:

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2. Linq API (Required for iMessage/SMS)

Linq provides the messaging infrastructure for iMessage-first communication.
1

Create Linq Account

Sign up at linqapp.com and request a Partner API account.
2

Provision a Linq Blue Line

Get a dedicated phone number for CareSupport. This will be your primary messaging number.
3

Generate API Token

In the Linq dashboard:
  • Click the code icon (</>) in the left toolbar
  • Generate a new API token
  • Copy the token (you won’t see it again)
4

Add to Environment

Add these credentials to your .env file:
LINQ_API_TOKEN=your_linq_api_token_here
LINQ_PHONE=+1XXXXXXXXXX
Linq Partner API is different from the consumer app. Ensure you have a Partner account with API access.

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3. Webhook Secret (Optional, for Real-Time)

If you want real-time message delivery instead of polling: 
# Generate webhook subscription (returns signing secret)
python runtime/scripts/linq_gateway.py webhooks

# Add secret to .env
LINQ_WEBHOOK_SECRET=your_webhook_signing_secret
See Linq Integration for webhook configuration details.

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Environment Configuration

Create a .env file in your project root:
.env
# ─── AI Provider ────────────────────────────────────
# Choose one: openrouter or anthropic
OPENROUTER_API_KEY=sk-or-v1-...
# ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=sk-ant-...
CARESUPPORT_AI_BACKEND=openrouter

# ─── Linq Messaging ─────────────────────────────────
LINQ_API_TOKEN=your_linq_token_here
LINQ_PHONE=+1XXXXXXXXXX
LINQ_WEBHOOK_SECRET=your_webhook_secret

# ─── Optional Settings ──────────────────────────────
# Data directory (defaults to /work)
CARESUPPORT_ROOT=/work

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Security Best Practices

Critical: Never commit your .env file to version control.
Add to .gitignore:
.gitignore
.env
*.env
.env.*
runtime/scripts/linq_config.json

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Verify Installation

Test each component: 
python -c "import openai, anthropic, dotenv; print('✓ All packages installed')"
Expected outputs:
  • Python test: ✓ All packages installed
  • Linq test: List of phone numbers with status
  • AI test: JSON response with reply_text field

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Directory Structure

After installation, your directory structure should look like: 
caresupport/
├── .env                          # Your environment variables (not in git)
├── SOUL.md                       # Agent identity and voice
├── runtime/
│   ├── config.py                 # Central configuration
│   ├── scripts/
│   │   ├── sms_handler.py        # Core message processor
│   │   ├── linq_gateway.py       # Linq API client
│   │   ├── poll_inbound.py       # Message polling loop
│   │   └── linq_config.json      # Linq credentials (not in git)
│   ├── enforcement/              # Safety and compliance
│   └── learning/                 # Agent capabilities and lessons
└── fork/
    └── workspace/
        ├── families/             # Family data (created during setup)
        └── protocols/            # Care protocols

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Next Steps

Configuration

Configure runtime paths and behavior

Create First Family

Set up your first family directory

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Troubleshooting

You need to install the Python dependencies:
pip install openai anthropic python-dotenv
If using a virtual environment, ensure it’s activated before installing.
Possible causes:
  • API token is incorrect or expired
  • Token not set in both .env AND linq_config.json
  • Using consumer account instead of Partner API account
Fix:
  1. Verify token in Linq dashboard
  2. Check both .env and runtime/scripts/linq_config.json
  3. Ensure you have Partner API access (not just consumer app)
The runtime/config.py file needs the CARESUPPORT_ROOT environment variable:
export CARESUPPORT_ROOT=/work  # or your preferred path
Or add to your .env file and ensure it’s loaded.
Use OpenRouter if:
  • You want access to multiple models
  • You prefer usage-based pricing
  • You’re just getting started
Use Anthropic direct if:
  • You only use Claude models
  • You have existing Anthropic credits
  • You want to minimize API hops
Both backends use the same models and produce identical results.
No. Set only the one you’re using:
# For OpenRouter
OPENROUTER_API_KEY=sk-or-v1-...
CARESUPPORT_AI_BACKEND=openrouter

# OR for Anthropic direct
ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=sk-ant-...
CARESUPPORT_AI_BACKEND=anthropic

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