Reviews of La Amistad Behavioral Health Services (Psychiatrist)

Eva Oliveri

I cannot say more wonderful things about La Amistad. The staff are all so kind and accommodating, which made me feel immediately comfortable and allowed me to focus on my treatment. The program works if you take it seriously and put in the work. There are daily groups that teach necessary coping skills, as well as individual and family therapy, if desired. I wish the individual therapy could be more frequent, but I understand that is not always possible due to the need to serve everyone. Though I was unable to stay as long as I would have liked, my time there was nothing but helpful. My only complaint, which is not a direct reflection on the program, is that some clients do not take it as seriously as it should be, but that is unfortunately to be expected anywhere and again, is by no means a reflection on La Amistad itself. I highly recommend La Amistad residential program if you or your loved one needs a safe, caring, and top notch program to get help.

Alecia Kryworuka

Please look for alternatives before placing your child here. I was criticized for checking on my child daily and when I expressed concern over medications I was continually told my child was lying and manipulating me and my concerns were dismissed. I mentioned that antihistamines amp my child up and then they prescribed an antihistamine for her anxiety that she could take as needed. She would get anxious and ask for it and it would make her worse because antihistamines amp her up. After a week I had no more information on her care than I did before she entered and I removed her from here. Never again. Listen to your child and your gut - if it feels off - it is. Don’t let them convince you that your child is a liar and manipulator just so they can keep a bed full and bill the insurance for it.

Brainmeat

It's been years since I've been here and I don't know what else to say that other people haven't. Doctors had no idea what they were doing, overmedicated patients, mocked patients, and were extremely loud and unprofessional. I got almost no sleep for the 2 months I was there and I will never forget how awful it was. I have severe emetophobia and it was one of the things I was supposed to be working on. One night, a kid got sick and I ran into another room crying. What did the doctors do? Came in and dragged me out of the room telling me to 'be quiet' and 'get over it'. This happened on two different occasions. Unforgettable in the worst way possible. If you love your children, don't send them here. I will never recover.

lindsay m

La Amistad saved my life. The doctors, nursing, tech, and assistant staff were all so very professional, warm, and friendly.

Jason Lee

La Amistad was awesome. The staff is the best. Ms.Sharon was a life saver, best staff there! They are very helpful. I definitely recommend this place.

Jordyn Hunnel

This place, these people have changed my life for the better. I will never forget any of you lovely people.❤️❤️❤️

Brian Corvello

Twenty years ago, I spent over a year in this horrid place, and let me tell you, I would not wish it upon my worst enemy. The place was not up to code. Twelve teenagers had to share a living area and bathroom, both of which were filthy. The place had no heat, no air conditioning, and no maid service at all. The patients had to do all the cleaning, under the guise of "character building and responsibility". There were roaches all over the place (it was never fumigated), and the dishes we used NEVER saw a dishwasher. Possibly the worst was the stray cat on the campus who was missing an eye. Staff never tried to call animal control, simply telling students to stay away from it, not caring at all about whatever diseases it might have. And the staff? Untrained, unskilled, uncaring bullies, all of them. in fact, I'm pretty sure I saw quite a few fired for daring to take a patient's side in an issue. "Discipline" was little more than punishment,and no research whatsoever was done on medication. Avoid like the plague, unless you want your children to justifiably hate you for the rest of your lives. I still have not forgiven mine.

Dan Higginbotham

My experience at La Amistad exceeded my expectations! I have admittedly been a high maintenance patient. The staff have been very patient with me and accommodating with my special requests. Dr. B. was the best psychiatrist I have ever had (and I've had five) and even used very recent studies to bring my thyroid more in to balance when conventionally it was fine. Miss Sharon was customer service central! She saw to my cardiology appointments and shows great respect to me and my cohorts. The group therapy talk sessions balanced CBT, DBT, and mindfulness. The facility provides yoga, gym, pool, and beach volleyball! Once I started to feel balanced, I felt like I was living at a terrific camp! Thank you very much. I would definitely come back again!

Andrei C

i use to go here like 3 years ago, it is good and very friendly staff. I had alot of fun when i was here and the treatment is excellent. I went there cause i had serious depression and I'm an international patient which came from the islands. They treated me well and more like family! Shout out to Mr.Will and Mr.Alex and also Ms.Jessica and anybody else i may have forgot. If anything i'll come by and visit yall when i get a chance.

SPiiiRIT

I was admitted here almost 2 years ago in January of 2017. I was admitted for psychotic attacks panic attacks depression etc. overall, it did aid in my recovery. But would I reccomend it for drug use, unruly kids who don’t want to get better? No. Parents, if you have an out of control child don’t send them here. I was kept here for 3 months at a total cost of 50,000$. AND I was on Tricare, possibly the best insurance out there. First of all, the staff there who take care of the kids are not required to have any experience with psychology classes. Their only requirement is a HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA. And it really showed. One staff member, ms. Ida, constantly complained about how the kids should behave, yet said she didn’t care about us because she’s getting her paycheck. In the facility there is a level system. The better you behave, the higher your level. What was disgusting to me was higher levels get their food first, lower levels may wait up to 10 minutes to get their food after the higher levels are done getting their food. There are absolutely no vegan options and barely any vegetarian options. Living conditions aren’t Exaclty fun. The windows are blurred. We have no privacy. I had a tendency to bite my nails frequently, and was put in a situation where I had to strip to my bra and underwear every morning and every night to be inspected by NON-PROFESSIONALS (not nurses nor psychologists psychiatrists) for self harm cuts even though I don’t cut myself. Total invasion of privacy. And they play the bee movie every night. It gets really annoying. Overall the drug program is a joke. I went in for cigarettes & all they told me was to stop. They offered no help. We aren’t allowed to speak to patients outside the facility but I managed to keep in contact with multiple patients. Most of them were put back in a facility and still abuse cocaine ecstasy weed alcohol to this day. One has even gone to the point of meth. It gets so horrible in there that patients downright lie to their therapists to get out of there. And my therapist was manipulative AF! She told me I’m having panic attacks because I’m selfish and I just don’t want to be in certain situations. She told me I’m unhealthy and a bad girl and I need to get rid of all my friends when I leave the facility. Honeslty unprofessional and extremely secluded from the outside world. And another point about the level system is lower levels get 10-20 minute phone calls a night to their family and ONLY their family. Higher levels get more time. I was at a level 5 and was quickly stripped back down to a level 0 (a freeze level with no privileges) because I drew a triangle on my hand. Religious freedom is no where to be seen here. We had a tyedye day for making shirts. I drew an all seeing eye representing my spirituality. Was quickly told I could NOT wear my shirt because it was “satanic and devilish”. I’m not a satanist and even if I were, isn’t there supposed to be religious freedom in this place? As stated on the patients rights religious freedom is a big one. I was also told I could not bring my book about angels nor my tarot cards in the vicinity, yet there was a TON of bibles in the library, not one Torah, not one Quran, definitely not a satanic bible or anything about athiesm. Place is run by a bunch of idiots. Thanks for putting me on my seroqeul, though.

iicckyo

I stayed at La Amistad at the adult campus for about a month and a half, coming all the way from Northern Alabama, and it changed my life completely. This was a last resort solution for me, and it was worth everything in the world. The program setup is wonderful, the community is supportive and nurturing, the psych staff is respectful, the therapists are knowledgeable and competent, and I would have never been as changed a person as I am now without having went there. Also as a side note, special thanks to every person there, including residents and staff members such as the weekend tech Jackie, for supporting my art. It's given me back my motivation to keep on at it.

paul christiano

When I came to La Amistad I was really hurting. I must say that the staff at La Amistad is OUTSTANDING!! Everyone is very understanding and helpful. The other residents were also very helpful, taking note of the staffs actions and attitudes no doubt! I went from feeling broken and alone to being part of a loving, caring community. When I left I felt 100% better, excited, and kind of sad to be leaving this amazing place all at the same time. THANK YOU!!!

Scott Messina

EPIC FAIL! [If there were negative 5 stars to give, that's what this place would get.] A very special life was lost partially due to a "La Amistad Trained Professional" totally missing and not diagnosing a vital underlining issue, AFTER they were informed by the family to observe closely. #verysad #Irreversible #fail #RIP

Lucy Lain

I was really nervous about coming here, but almost immediately after I walked in, my fears were alleviated by the wonderful environment and staff. The program was full of groups with relevant information to coping with my anxiety and depression. It kind of felt like a summer camp for mental health- with a good balance of learning and leisure to practice the skills we've learned. There's a pool, ping pong table, even a Wii with Mario Kart and Smash Bros (which, as a gamer, made me so happy.) Although I'm not a smoker, many here are and ample time is provided throughout the day. I was specifically here for mental health, but the substance abuse program is also wonderful, with AA or NA meetings every day. Many of my fellow patients here in that program are very happy with the progress I've made. While I'm happy to be home, I genuinely miss La Amistad. It felt like a home away from home. I would highly recommend this facility as someone who has had plenty of negative experiences with acute care/crisis center/Baker Act facilities. One thing I really liked compared to those places is how there's no locked doors and we can freely walk around the facility and go outdoors freely. It's a small difference, but it made it so much more welcoming. All in all, I would recommend La Amistad to anyone struggling with mental illness or substance abuse. I feel confident that the skills I've learned here and the friends I've made will change my life for the better.

Tom Tyler

La Amistad was everything that I expected in a beautiful inpatient facility. The staff was very helpful. Staff members Corey L, Sharon, Peggy, and Steven really have a niche for getting through to people. I would highly recommend this facility to others looking to improve any aspect of their life.

Cole Bender

The staff here is amazing, the people you'll meet are wonderful, and it's overall an amazing experience. Special shout-outs to Ms. Sharon, Peggy, both Coreys, Mimi, and pretty much everyone else that works here. I loved my time here, and you will too.

Marcia Cosgrove

I can't say enough about the adult campus of LA Armistad .The staff (Sharon, Peggy, Mimi, both Corey's, Chris, Sue, Chinlyka, Dan and everyone else) are caring, compassionate, and truly care about your recovery. It was a much needed time for me to regroup and relearn\learn new techniques and behaviors necessary to live a productive and healthy life. Therapists Alex, Sarah, Nadine and Larry impart their knowledge and care as you as an individual. I highly recommend this program! You will take away what you put into it. The program really works if you work it!

Benjamin Sperry

This amazing staff was there for me during the worst time in my life. Professionals committed to excellence who love what they do and are dedicated to the overall wellness of their patients. This place welcomes you no matter what stage of your journey you are in, and the community created by the residents totally supports each and every individual. If you are in need of assistance with mental health or substance abuse issues, this place is the answer.

Julian Riegler

I spent 4 weeks at La Amistad and it was my first time in a rehab facility. I don't have anything to compare it to, but La Amistad was a very comfortable, safe environment. I believe that La Amistad is an exceptional place for two reasons. First, because the staff will make an effort to know you as a person, not a patient, and they become personally invested in your growth and recovery. Second, because every patient in La Amistad becomes part of a family. The people in La Amistad come together to support and help one another grow, and as the NA fellowship says, "The value of one addict (or patient) helping another is without parallel. La Amistad is an exceptional facility that I would recommend to anyone whom has the means to go.

Rachel Hanschell

La Amistad is an amazing place to seek help. All of the employees are incredibly nice and do whatever they can to make you feel at home and help you with whatever you need, and the patients are all very friendly and welcoming. i would 100% recommend coming here for your recovery.

RozuDestiny

NEVER go here. I'm traumatized by this place. There is never a day where I don't think about it and have a panic attack. They made my mom think for a little bit that I was manipulative, and a liar. They gave me meds that my mom told them not to give me, they did it anyway. Whenever I called my mom I ended up crying so hard it lead to a panic attack. I do better when I have friends, and there I wasn't allowed to have friends. If they found out you had friends they will punish you. There was only one teacher there that was slightly nice to me, The rest yell at you constantly. Basically, the only things I got out of this place is nightmares, constant panic attacks, and I'm now way worse then when I first entered.

Natalie Mejias

Coming to La Amistad was the best decision for me. I was worried when I saw the google reviews but I decided to trust my gut and go with the positive reviews. After researching for several days I made the decision to fly to FL from Dallas and enter this program. The feeling I had was confirmed from the first moment I arrived at intake. The staff were warm and caring and I could tell they cared. I have not regretted being here for one single second. I have been in other facilities and this is head and shoulders above the rest. If you work the program, the program works. It seems to me that the people complaining always seem to have the loudest voices but I would tell you to go with your instinct and if you are serious about getting help then La Amistad is the place for you. I have found family here. There is so much love and support within the residents and staff that if I need anything at all there is someone there. Being here has given me so much hope and courage to face the challenges that I know await me. I am so grateful to the staff and residents at La Amistad, they've helped me take my life back.

Kim Metcalf

This is a wonderful place awesome staff they saved my life I was there Dec 2015 until January 2016 and I am still clean!

Airfriz 2001

Literally the worst place ever! They put ME a previously majorly depressed 17 year old girl on medication that literally made me aggressive and made my OCD go through the roof. They sent me to a short term baker act facility because they felt that I was “out of control” due to my MEDICATION yet they kept telling me it was my fault! They LEFT ME there at that baker act facility for a week then sent me to another baker act facility where they would give practically all the patients shots in the butt even if you disrespected them. Like what the heck and then they left me there for 2 weeks. Then they said they couldn’t handle me and then they sent me back to the baker act facility, like are you freaking kidding me. My mom took me out for a week and I was perfectly fine, I then later went to another residential facility closer to me, called PALM SHORES. Literally a huge step up than this place, the patients were real unlike at the fake people at la amistad. I would highly recommend PALM SHORES and not this piece of trash hospital. I doubt I will ever get an apology of any kind from this place but please please please do not leave your child here, if you love them you will go to a different program that will not turn you away.

Christine Zimmer

La Amistad was a turning point in my life and I feel that going there may have been the difference between me having to go on disability or returning back to work. The facility is great and there are many staff that were very helpful, Sharon, Peggy, Mimi, Lori and Kelly W. to name a few. The facility is clean and the kitchen did a great job trying to accommodate my diet. Thank You to everyone for the wonderful care!! I wish you all the best!!!

W V

Whyyyyy I have to put one star???? Not fair!!!!!! They don't deserve it DO NOT GO THERE !!!!!!!!!!!!! I went in for being suicideal and was bounced between therapists wasting my precious time. Then I was put with a totally incompetent therapist that didn't even let me talk about my problems and tried giving advice based on articles she had googled up on the spot. No one there cares at all... very poor customer service

Kera&Sarah Daniels

I just got out and it helped a lot thankyou!

Rayshauna Lemon

This place is amazing! It was great to have a little pause from reality so that I could have time to work on myself. it was a little intense having so many groups in one day, but if you really work the program there are so many resources and opportunities open to you. The staff is a good mix of people and every patient and staff member here is so sweet. The meeting outings were so helpful, just to see how a meeting worked and it made it less intimidating than going on my own. I'm really going to miss the people I've met here, but I'm so happy I came.

The Emil Elm Network

To be perfectly honest, I feel like 5 stars is not enough to describe my experience at La Amistad. When I arrived, I was dealing with so many problems and I wasn't sure if I was treatable. I was wrong. La Amistad helped me with my depression and anxiety, but they also helped with my problems with substance abuse, and I was always treated with respect from the time I woke up. Peggy and Sharon do everything in their power to help you during the day, answer questions, talk to you if you need to whatever it takes. In the evenings, Mimi always stayed on top of everything and made sure I understood the procedures, and rules effectively. On the weekend, Corey ran a very tight shift, with respect and compassion for all of my fellow patients. La Amistad also solved a medical mystery that I was suffering from for almost 7 years, which was diabetes. For the seven years prior I suffered from vertigo, constant thirst, confusion and dizziness, and I never knew why. The medical staff (also 2nd to none), discovered this and know I have an answer to that problem. My therapist Alex, and psychiatrist Dr. Bryant, worked with me to figure out the source of my depression, anxiety and drugs problems, with dignity and in a very thorough matter. Thank you La Amistad

Gideon Christian

La Amistad has been a turning point in my recovery. I traveled from Upstate NY all the way to La Amistad because I heard they were a solid and successful treatment facility. The day I walked through the doors, the entire staff and residents made me feel comfortable and at home. The staff and counselors at La Amistad care a lot about the residents and our everyday needs and care. It takes personal effort and work to get where you need to be, but without the help of La Amistad I would never had such a positive turning point in my life. Thank you La Amistad

Aaron Address

I am a former patient who was there for five weeks... The staff and faculty are always there to help you if need by. Level two or above has the chance of leaving campus on weekends on TLOAs. It helped me zoo much and I cannot thank them enough

Cynthia Flowers

See Update April 2019 :My daughter was admitted hear in March and she just got out a week ago. She had been in and out of baker act facilities and she was in weekly therapy along with medication. Nothing was working. This facility came highly recommended by her therapist, psychiatrist and our insurance company. I have nothing bad to say at all about this place. It lived up to everything I heard. They have a very structured program that helps not only the patient but the family as well. They really work on coping skills and treating the symptoms and not the diagnosis. Everyone that I've spoken to from the office to the techs are as nice and as understanding as can be. They work well with insurance companies and with families who do not live in the area. I wouldn't change not one thing about this place. I would never wish any mental problems on anyone's child but if there are this is the best place to come.

MzVanityCocoa

Hello, sorry I gotta repeat cuz I can't type so much cuz I have some information about my 26 year old nephew. He is in Valencia college pursuing digital art and wants access to employment because he never had a job nor make any money. My nephew is a mute at home, he lives with my older sister along with my 34 year old nephew who is a Door Dasher. My 26 year old nephew hasn't spoken any words ever since he was 6 and my sister doesn't even know why he stopped talking. He can orally communicate at school, college, my 24 year old daughter and my 25 year old son. He can only orally talks to my neices and nephews around his age but not to his older brother and sister. He wanted to start driving and work but he has to talk more if he can get what he wants. My sister wouldn't let him have any cars, or job if he's a mute. He just don't like to sit in the house all day bored so he use his computer or play video games. Without his laptop and video game, he has to read books but he don't like to read books because books are including doing something educational. My 34 year old nephew who is his brothers drops him to Valencia college because my sister works in the morning and daytime. He also don't like oral reading because his voice is probably too soft or idk. He can orally socialize with his college classmates but not at home with my sister who is his mother or his older brother. Should I recommend La Amistad to my sister so she can get him in so he can get on his feet, start working, driving, do whatever he want or go places by himself? We just wanna hear his voice he don't need to text or write down and tell anyone.

Stone Denning

La Amistad has been a great experience for me! I came from another rehab facility to get further care for my Anxiety, Panic attacks, and depression and I couldn't ask for anything else! The staff is wonderful and the groups are amazing! They really do care about your treatment and yoga is amazing with Nadine! Thank you SO SO much!

Laura Court

I went to La Amistad looking for help at the worst point in my life. They only made it worse! I was inpatient and outpatient. I came out worse than when I went in after being discharged for a panic attack! They said I was "aggressive" which I guess is what they call it when you challenge them. I saw Tara, a horrible therapist. She had no idea what she was doing. I was supposed to see her when I was in outpatient but the day she told me I would see her she did not make time. She saw people that she assumed were worse off than myself. Such a lack of concern for patients. I actually started cutting AFTER I left treatment. Obviously did me a lot of good there.

yalisa rodriguez

i stayed at the adult unit at la amistad for over two weeks. the staff are beyond wonderful and kind. never the less, the residents there are understanding and so friendly. i wouldnt want to have had my treatment anywhere else but here!

S i

I am not sure how anyone could not have anything other than positive reviews about La Amistad. I was there for over a month. The entire staff administration, doctors, therapists, nurses and techs were respectful and kind. The entire community of clients were so incredibly supportive of each other. I believe this is a direct result of the entire environment. The facility is safe, clean and the kitchen staff is excellent as well

Thomas Pleis

This is one place I will NEVER forget. I was a minor and this place accepted my Dad's FedEx insurance provider. I was here about 4-6 months. I was a minor, a teenager. I recall my first time there I sat down in an office, and I will never forget the comments made by the head person in charge at the time who asked me questions in his office. The phone rang, and he asked about the insurance, he smiled, and said thank you. He looked at me, and asked me my name, and like 2 other questions, a girl came to the door, he opened it, told me we are all set, your dad has excellent insurance with a BIG old smile. I at the time didn't know much about insurance and the money behind it, but I informed my parents, and I got admitted anyways. When the insurance ran out the boot I got. I want to be clear here. I didn't benefit from anything except for 2 components. 1) I lost weight, and 2) Experienced Prozac, and ritalin. The counselor there was some Arkansas college counselor fan and honestly didn't help one bit. There was almost no 1 on 1 counseling. The schooling was a joke. There is no visitors, literally none. Outpatient or weekend outpatient visits had to be earned. Food was ok. Nothing great. Sleeping on bunk beds hard beds, and the lights are always on outside the room. There is no privacy, and staff visit like every 30 minutes with a flashlight. There is no media, at that time there was no internet interaction, no TV, just a journal, schooling, and a workbook, and group counseling listening to others problems with them asking questions. I don't know what has changed since 1997-1999. But to this day if my kids needed help this wouldn't be on the list ever. I am 36 now, and I find this place repulsive. Also to those reading the reviews here, pay attention to the reviewer's profile. MAJORITY of the 4 and 5* reviewers are under 10 reviews total, and a LOT of one to five reviews in total also. Seek quality reviews. Details and specifics.

Katya Ponce

Change the damn name La Amistad translates to friendship in Spanish and they have a strict rule about making friendships in here and you get punished for doing so. This is false advertising from the title, not cool at all especially since Florida has many Spanish speaking people because this can confuse them!

Harley FSU

They are thorough and care about the residents. It's been a life saver for our family. They dont fix your loved one but they do show them new ways and work towards helping the underlying issues.

Carissa Harding

My experience here was absolutely amazing! All of the staff, especially Sharon, Peggy, both Cory and Corey, Thomas and everyone else, always went out of their way to help me in my recovery and to help me better myself during my stay at La Amistad. I feel like I was an individual who's needs were important and special while here. Nadine, the wellness director has an amazing way with guiding the group through being mindful and learning to calm my mind which I loved. All the staff was very helpful and I would highly recommend La Amistad Behavorial Health Services to anyone.