Small Aircraft; Low Wing; 1 Eng; Retractable Gear
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 55; Flight Crew Total 2609; Flight Crew Type 86
Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict NMAC
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
1. Prior to departure from ZZZ; I requested the ZZZ Ground Controller to set me up with VFR flight following to my destination. They responded by saying that they were unable; but to contact ATC once airborne. 2. I departed ZZZ at XA:25 local time. Tower requested I fly runway heading on departure.3. Around 7;000 feet MSL; the Tower requested I fly west to accommodate incoming traffic.  Which I complied with.4. I wasn't completely due west yet; when ZZZ Tower advised that I was clear of their Airspace; to assume my own navigation; and to contact Center for flight following.  I tried reaching Center twice without a response.  Although Center could hear me; Center would not acknowledge my transmission. The reason I know they could hear me; is because I could hear them.5. All of a sudden I heard ATC request for Aircraft Y to exercise evasive action as they were headed straight for me.  I had Aircraft Y on my screen with the help of ADSB; so I deviated south to avoid an incursion.  6. I finally got acknowledgment from ATC about 3 minutes after the event.  7. The Controller provided me with a squawk; then instructed me to write down a phone number.  8. I requested the controllers initials so as to document the parties involved; but he denied my request.  9. ATC then transferred me to another frequency.  10. Reason for possible collision:    1. Ground control at ZZZ unwillingness to set me up with flight following prior to departure.    2. ATC's delay/unwillingness to acknowledge my transmission.     3. Tower at ZZZ erroneous radar vectors that could have put me in a collision course with the oncoming Aircraft Y without ATC's knowledge.      4. Lack of communication between ZZZ Tower and Center.  11. To prevent future possible mid-air collisions; I would advise that Ground/Tower at ZZZ to be willing to set up VFR departing aircraft with flight following prior to departure on their clearance delivery frequency.  If ATC is ready for departing traffic; they could advise aircraft before it is too late.
Pilot reported attempting to receive flight following from Center; and being involved in a NMAC.