Disclosed are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for utilizing a virtual assistant to assist a user with a communication session between the user and a third party service. A user can use a communication application to enter a message directed to the virtual assistant and request assistance to communicate with a 3rd party service. In response, the virtual assistant can access a set of communication instructions associated with the 3rd party service. The set of communication instructions can include a set of commands for communicating with the 3rd party service, services provided by the 3rd party service and data needed by the 3rd party service to facilitate communication. The virtual assistant can use the communication instructions to gather data needed by the 3rd party service, communicate with the 3rd party service and present the user with data received from the 3rd party service.