When I put my car in D and take off the transmission does not shift out of first gear. What could cause this? Any info would be greatly appreciated because I'm ready to pull my hair out.

Lots of things, low trans fluid, shift solenoid, broken shifter linkage.... etc..... needs to be taked to a trans shop where they can use a snap on trans scanner. This would be my 2 cents.

On top of your transmission there is a "transmission range switch" to which the steel wire that comes from the shifter stick is attached. Check it, you could manually shift it to second or D and see if the trans shifts ok. Mine broke once and car was in reverse.... I called a mechanic friend and he told me to manually shift it to D I did and got home.