Rap Teletherapy PLLC

Welcome! Transitions are rarely as "seamless" as they look on social media.

Whether you are a first-generation college student navigating a system that wasn’t built for you, or a member of the LGBTQIA+ community looking for a truly affirming space to land, I am here to support you.

Why work with me?
As a therapist with lived experience as both a first-gen graduate and a member of the queer community, I understand the "double-lens" many students carry. You won't have to spend your sessions educating me on the stakes of a "B-" grade when your family is counting on you, or explaining why coming out feels different when your campus and home life collide. I provide a space where you don't have to "code-switch" or pick one part of your identity over the other.

In our work together, we will:
Navigate "The First-Gen Weight": Unpack the imposter syndrome and achievement guilt that often come with being the first in your family to pursue a degree.

Explore Identity with Ease: Provide a grounded, queer-affirming environment where your identity is celebrated, not just "tolerated."

Build a "Chosen Home": Move past just "surviving" the semester and start building an internal sense of safety and belonging.

College is a massive life shift—a pressure cooker for anxiety and depression. You don't have to figure it out alone.

My clients are often high-achieving students who feel like 'outsiders' in academic spaces. They are looking for a therapist who 'gets it'—someone who understands the intersection of cultural expectations, queer identity, and the unique pressures of the first-generation experience.

I know that taking the first step can feel overwhelming—especially if you’ve been taught to 'just push through' or if you’re worried about whether this space is truly for you.

My approach is informed by years of experience "on the inside" as a public school teacher and guidance counselor. I’ve seen firsthand how the educational system can both support and fail students, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. This means I don’t just offer emotional support; I understand the actual logistics of academic burnout, the maze of campus resources, and the specific exhaustion of being a student in today's world.

You don't need to have it all figured out before we talk. Whether you have a specific goal or just a heavy feeling you can't quite name, you are welcome here. I offer a free, 15-minute consultation call so we can see if we’re a good match—no pressure, just a chance to connect.

Check out my website and click CONTACT ME to send me a brief message. I usually respond within 24–48 hours, and we can take it one small step at a time from there.

Smiles:)
Melissa Rappaport, MA, LPC
(Licensed Professional Counselor)