Tampa Vet Center - Tampa, Florida

Denise Larracuenta

To any veteran that's struggling with mental health, do NOT COME HERE! I started mental health treatment at this Vet Center when I moved here in 2018. They stopped my treatment in May 2023 for no fault of my own without a backup plan or anything to help me with my mental health issues.

When I first started coming here for treatment, everything was great. I was coming here on a regular basis for individual and group therapy. Never missed any appointments and if I did I would call and notify them, no problem. This year, I was recommended to go to an inpatient treatment for 2 months for my mental health. I did for spring of 2023. Upon the last week of completing my treatment, it was suggested to have a treatment safety plan and a mental health appointment set up to 7 days post treatment. I called my provider at the Vet Center with the social worker while I was in treatment prior to my release to set up an appointment. Did everything I needed to do in treatment without any issues. Unfortunately, the soonest appointment they had available at the Vet Center for me was 1 month post inpatient treatment, June 24. I didn't really have an option so I took it. It was a video appointment.

June 24th came around and I never recieved an email for my video appointment, which I thought was strange because I would recieve links to my email on the regular for my upcoming video appointments with them. I called the Vet Center about 10 mins passed my appointment and notified the clerk about my appointment for that day and I was waiting for a video link to be sent my way. He stated that I wasn't in the system for an appointment for that day....wierd but I ended up scheduling another appointment that was ANOTHER month out! I told the clerk my situation, hadn't seen anyone for mental health for about a month at that point. He 'apologized for the inconvenience' and scheduled an appointment for July 28th. I had no choice but to take that day. I just wanted help for my mental health. They stated they didn't have anything sooner. About a week before my appointment, I get a call saying that my appointment needed to be canceled and it was due to a situation that was out of my control. I was told I could no longer be seen at the Vet Center. I asked what was the plan for me then and they told me they will keep me updated with more information. I haven't gotten a call back since that day.

I had to figure it out and find help at another Vet Center literally almost 2 hours from me. I spoke to the new provider (at the new location) and they told me that the Tampa Vet Center said I was a no call no show for my appointment on June 24th. THEY LIED TO ANOTHER PROVIDER!!! I have the time and date recorded of when I made that phone call. I will NEVER recommend this place to another veteran. I'm a combat veteran who honorably served and this is how I get treated! I feel abandoned, forgotten and casted to the side. Stay away from here if you can!

Justta Girl

Tampa Vet Center has done so much for me as a military spouse and has gone ABOVE and BEYOND for my husband, who is a retired, disabled veteran. The director of this office and the staff do more than just talk 'the talk', they WALK it! This has been on full display in every interaction we have had with the Tampa Vet Center.

Key Clements

I was referred here by the Tampa VA Psychiatry department for care for my PTSD. After speaking with a wonderful gentleman (Mr. Palmer), he had to place me on a short hold to take another call. The hold was ended by the Director who rudely went straight in to a spill on how I could not receive care at their location due to my current area and that I needed to seek care at a location nearest me. There was no offer to assist with me finding care in my area nor an acknowledgment of who he was speaking with. Once he completed his ramble, I was able to inquire about the care I could receive at another location (he eagerly attempted to interrupt me as I spoke), which he provided. Once I received information for a Vet center in the area I’m currently in, he rudely said “Thank you for calling” and hung up on my face. Sir, I did not call. I was referred and the kind gentleman gave me a call to begin my care. People are absolutely allowed to have bad days and I attribute any rude behavior to just that but the lack of care many mental health workers have for Vets, which obviously includes this one, is disheartening and disrespectful. Had I been a Vet was in severe desperate need of help and who was having suicidal thoughts at the moment, the interaction I had with him would have definitely sent me spiraling deeper into my thoughts. I understand your job is to educate Vets and help them through their PTSD but you do so professionally. Had the roles been reversed, I’m very sure he would’ve felt as disrespected and disregarded as I felt. I will not be referring any of my Vet friends with PTSD to this location due to just that interaction. That was a Director who chose to poorly represent an organization that prides themselves on helping Vets through the severity of their PTSD. This is definitely an issue I will be reporting to the VA.

Dave T

Referred a friend here. I have been to 5 different vet centers now. The director of this particular Vet Center is legit. I could tell he was in the best interest of seeking treatment and counselling for veterans. This stigma for treatment needs to stop. Society is complaining about 22~ per day, but these are the guys doing something about it. Thanks Mike, the vet center saved my life, and made the hard times more understandable .

Michael Hudson

It will be a case by case basis for everyone in how they like this Vet Center. As a positive there's free coffee, and brochures to see catch up on eventful vet things available. There's also a Guitar For Vets Class at the moment (2017). Coffee, events, & classes all for free. Check the place out & see what works for you.

Arizona D'Arco

I was contacted by this center and each person I talked to was high strung and disrespectful. No patience and no humanity. This is another example of the military health care system failing their veterans.

James Byrd Jr

I stopped by to ask for assistance and to inquire about programs available for PDST several years ago and was told "Don't call us , we will call you!". I wish I could give the Vets Center 0 stars.

Brini Sims

Incredibly helpful, courteous, caring and professional staff. I prefer being seen at the Vet Center than the VA.