About
The Racho Group
We are a small, Veteran-focused psychological practice dedicated to providing thoughtful, compassionate mental health evaluations for those who have served. We understand that seeking support through the VA disability process can feel deeply personal, frustrating, and at times exhausting.
Our practice was built on the belief that Veterans deserve to feel heard, respected, and genuinely cared for throughout the evaluation process. Every DBQ, nexus letter, and psychological evaluation is approached with warmth, professionalism, and careful attention to the unique experiences that shape each Veteran’s story.
We Believe You and We’re Here to Help.
Call Us Today.
We About Us
A genuine welcome!
You’ve found your way to our About page and are undoubtedly looking for more information. “What is it exactly you would like to know?”
Perhaps you’re curious about our credentials – how qualified are we to assist you with the weight of what troubles you? A very reasonable query – and if that is what you’re seeking – our credentials are outlined a bit farther below.
Or perhaps you are in search of something a bit more personal. Also, quite reasonable, I believe – though many in the field might disagree and affirm that we must remain apart from our patients – not letting them mean too much and not sharing too much of ourselves with them.
And we believe those of us who dare to take that journey with those we serve, as fellow travelers, rather than as distant and immune observers help create and reap a much richer experience. We are changed in meaningful ways by the work we do, together. Whether you’re with us for a year of therapy or trauma treatment, or one hour for a DBQ evaluation, we value our time together.
How can we expect you to trust us with the delicacies of your life and not be authentic about the fact that we are on the same journey? We, too, face the harrowing and the sublime in the world. Our work makes a meaningful difference in your life, and your choosing to work with us, makes a meaningful difference in ours.
About Melissa
Like many psychologists, therapists, and others in this field, I happened upon psychology along the road I was traveling to figure out and work through my struggles and insecurities. I discovered that we can improve and enlarge ourselves and our lives in venerable ways with concerted effort and devoted exploration.
I love this work because it feels gritty, real, and meaningful. Each of these qualities seems a rarity in modern American life and relationship.
I’ve considered it a serious goal to fall in love with as many things in this life as possible. I live chasing inspiration, getting carried away by ideas and beautiful things, always seeming to experience emotions more intensely than most.
The minutiae of almost anything other than the individual kills me.
It’s why my house is generally a little messy and why I’d rather poke myself in the eye than discuss American politics. Although I can’t thoroughly grasp inferential statistics to save my life, I can see interdisciplinary connectedness and how broad, cultural characteristics can have psychological consequences on the individual with relative ease.
I’m a mother. My sons are 16 and 8. They’ve taught me to seize the day and revere life’s fragility synchronously. I lived years without them, thinking I knew what love was. I knew nothing.
Words can’t describe them – they are each an Adonis, and their presence in my life pushes me to live more fully.
When I’m not with my boys, reading, or writing, I’m working with incredible patients, Service Members and Veterans like you in private practice, baffled that I’ve been charmed enough to share the intricacies of your lives for a short time and bear witness to inspiring growth and evolution.
Experiences from Service Members and Veterans:
“Dr. Racho is a true professional whose knowledge of the VA system for retiring military members is far-reaching and priceless! During my evaluation, she truly understood my symptoms and their underlying causes and provided me with a comprehensive DBQ and nexus letter for my future VA claim. I’ve already shared my experience with many military members and encouraged them to contact Dr. Racho when they are preparing to leave the service. 5 stars is not a high enough rating for the services that she provides!” -D.N. U.S. Service Member
“I struggled for years trying to get the VA to recognize how my PTSD was connected to my service. The DBQ and Nexus Letter from The Racho Group were exactly what I needed. Dr. Racho listened, understood my story, and provided clear, professional documentation. Thanks to her, I finally got service-connected and received a fair rating. I felt seen and supported every step of the way.”
– J.M., U.S. Marine Veteran.
Melissa’s Credentials
Licensed Psychologist, Colorado PSY5109
Licensed Psychologist, Florida PY13154
PSYPACT Authorization 22298 for telehealth practice in over 40 states
Education
Doctor of Philosophy, University of Northern Colorado
Master of Arts, University of Denver
Bachelor of Arts, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus
Professional Memberships
American Psychological Association
Humanistic Psychology, APA Division 32
Society for Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology, APA, Division 24
EMDR International Association
Rocky Mountain Humanistic Counseling and Psychological Association
Continuing Education and Training Committee Member
Publications
Racho, M. M. (2017). Assessing the Cultural Effects of Neoliberalism on Empathy. Published
Doctor of Philosophy dissertation, University of Northern Colorado.