Dr. Phil Show Critique | Is Phil McGraw Good for Mental Health? 

Dr. Phil encourages his audience to laugh at people who have problems. He never stops them.. He exploits others.

I love how Dr. Grande won’t refer to him as Dr., but as Phil McGraw. I think that lets us know how he feels about him.

The phrase "I'm not a doctor, I just play one on TV" has never applied better to anyone than Dr Phil

A few years ago, during an extremely stressful time in her life, my Mom became very ill and was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder with Psychotic Features. Basically, she became paranoid to the point that she was no longer living in reality. Every thought, conversation, sound, person, song on the radio, etc somehow became "proof" of what she believed. She became an entirely different person - confrontational, irrationally angry, dangerously aggressive (because she thought someone was trying to kill her). It was horrible and terrifying and ended with her having to be forcefully hospitalized. It was devastating. Fortunately, while hospitalized, they found the right medications and she slowly became my Mom again. She's fine now, but it was a very long, difficult road. All this to say, if someone had put her on television and exploited her while she was under the influence of this mental illness and at the lowest, most terrifying point in her life, I would be BEYOND furious. Unethical doesn't even begin to cover it. I've seen so many "patients" that were clearly not in a healthy enough state of mind to truly consent to his show. To make a spectacle of someone who is ill and openly ridicule them in front of the entire world (while encouraging a live studio audience to follow his lead) is reprehensible. Its not about medicine or education or treatment, it's about drama and ratings and I can't stand it.

"They deserve more than the Dr. Phil Show!' Thank you! People with mental health issues are definitely vulnerable and deserve compassion, not a public shaming.

I think he’s a self-aggrandizing bully. I think you were more than fair. He’s Jerry Springer, thinly disguised as an expert in mental health.

I know I'm late to the party, but I want to thank you for this video. My parents watched Mr. Phil when I was a kid, and I was scared to go to therapy for years because I didn't want to be interrogated, mocked, or not believed. I eventually found a dedicated, ethical *Doctor* and found it incredibly helpful.

CLIENT: "I have a uncontrollable urge to punch Dr Phil" phycologist : "Go on the Dr Phil show"

He hated it when people stand up for themselves or answer back to him.he freaks out when he loses control of the guest.

My friend was on the dr phil show- the outcome was pretty damaging. I personally think he exploits his guests most irresponsibly

Phil's tendency to bully, even when a guest makes a perfectly insightful comment is telling. It appears that he believes that he must be the "expert" and I've seen him get very angry at times, when guests put in their own 2 cents. I've also noticed in the past few years how it seems like the show is dedicated to him hyping his son's book co., or doctor on demand, Robin's skin care etc. I've really lost a lot respect which I was initially very prepared to give.

As an attorney, I can pretty much tell you that no attorney is ever going to say, "go on the Dr. Phil show and confess, it's ok." Just not gonna happen.

I don't think he knows anything special at all. And I don't think people who are wounded emotionally or mentally should be entertainment. Thank you, doctor.

I think it's important you made this video as a professional in the field. As a schizophrenic, I watched an episode with a delusional girl (bethany) who believed a random girl on facebook (Jazz) was sending her secret messages. Bethany was stalking obviously, but having her up there embarrassing her. I couldn't imagine my psychotic break being used as entertainment and shown to 2 million people. He makes a mockery of delusional disorders.

OCEAN applied to "DR" Phil: Openess to humiliate, Condescending attitude, Extreme self importance, Aversion to compassion, Noxious personality.

Your doctor Phil analysis was very gentle. How can this narcissist be allowed on national TV. Not only he is damaging to the people in the audience he is damaging to all people watching him. Not only people deserve NOT being exposed to him people deserve truth : they deserve a DR GRANDE on national TV. Thank you so much ❤

“I’ve never been a fan of Dr. Phil but I’m still gonna do my best effort to be fair” that’s maturity, well done Dr. Grande 👍

The fact that some of these problems can be “solved” in less than an hour goes to show you what a farce it all is. Dr. Phil is his own biggest fan. He’s self-serving, a braggart, and snarky.

Thank you for this. I’ve always felt Phil McGraw is a bully. Never saw him as a therapist. And this is before I lost all trust.

Why has this man been given such power when he's actually a caricature and full of self importance!

I believe he started out with good intentions, but basically his show has devolved into a circus....it is truly unwatchable anymore....

I believe Dr. Phil has become more and more like Jerry Springer than a serious, competent clinician. He has often times used his guests as a tool to illicit laughs, applause, shock effect, and self promotion. He just makes me sick.

Thanks for this fair critique. My wife and I frequently watched the Dr. Phil show--until we appeared as his guests in 2017. He claims it is a "safe place to talk about difficult subjects." Ours was certainly a difficult subject, but after our episode aired we received some credible death threats, in addition to the on-line threats in the comment section. We were thoroughly investigated by the authorities again. They found no evidence of any crime but it was a traumatic experience. We were immediately banished from our churches and told we would be arrested if we attended church. My wife has especially suffered and is quite angry at Dr. Phil. I look at the good points he made about the subject and the positive things that have happened as a result of appearing on his show. He did provide me with ten sessions of counseling through Dr. on Demand. Thank-you.

As someone who suffers from mental health issues, I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you said in this video, esp the last part about protecting people such as myself. It's beyond refreshing to hear that from a mental health professional and really feel that it's true 🙏

He gave up his license and got the show so that he could practice without liability (in my opinion)

I got instantly turned off dr Phil’s show when he started pushing his wife’s cosmetics.

I’ve been horrified by him from the beginning, Oprah has a lot to answer for. Shaming, particularly public shaming, is never conducive to healing. The damage he has to have done is staggering. I have rarely seen other mental health professionals speak out about him, thank you!

I agree with you Dr. Grande regarding Phil McGraw. The people with mental illness are some of the weakest people in our society that should be protected and certainly not exploited for entertainment purposes, bullied and/or picked on. In addition to being quite the professional, it's obvious you're a sweetheart as well. Your empathy and compassion for those that suffer with mental illness comes shining through. This has become my favorite video of yours so far. Thank you for sharing your speculation on the matter.

"They deserve our protection and our care, they deserve more than the Dr. Phil show." Savage!!!

Dr. Phil secretly wants to be a trial attorney. Many of his questions are more designed as a cross-examination than promoting a meaningful discussion concerning mental health.

At last someone has come out & exposed “Dr” Phil for what & who he is. An ego maniac.

People who watch "Dr." Phil are the type of people who'd tell a depressed person to just cheer up.

This made me tear up. As someone with mental health issues it is so important to be treated with respect and empathy.

Dr Grande has done the unthinkable. He has created a video on RU-vid where all the commentators agree with each other. This is a first in RU-vid history lol. You’re always the best Dr.

I used to work at what many considered to be one of the most highend restaurants in the SFV valley. He was one of our regulars. We knew him as a rude patron who would rarely look at the staff when speaking to us. He certainly behaved like a self-interested Hollywood personality over a caring mental health practitioner.

Thank you for this excellent video. I've suffered serious depression since I was 14. Dr. Phil is the last person that I'd want to treat me. He is very harsh and intimidating.

Each of Dr Phil’s episodes feels incomplete. It’s like he entertained the audience but neglected the guests. You worded it perfectly, Dr Grande

Dr. Grande, I often wondered how much damage Dr. Phil has actually inflicted on some of his guests/victims on his show.

You've helped me to put into words exactly how I feel about that man. He is a bully, if I hear him say "I'm a mandated reporter" one more time!! I think the tipping point was using poor Shelley Duvall as entertainment. There was nothing therapeutic about it, it was a freak sideshow. I felt so bad for that poor gal. Dr Phil is about more wealth and fame for him and his family, made from the humiliation he puts his guests through.

Not to mention that he is constantly referring to himself as an expert and “all his years of psychoanalysis…” everything he says and does on the show is for nothing more than good ratings.

Takeaway: "if Dr. Phil asks you to come on the show, run!"

He's a charlatan. I've seen him be abusive to a teen girl who was being bullied by her overly strict authoritarian parents and he and his teamed filmed her in the shower as the crying girl tried to hide behind the shower curtain. I have no time for TV celebrities and they are the reason I sold my TV 10 years ago.

I really appreciate that Dr. Grande gives credit where credit is due in regards to the positive things Phil McGraw has done. I’m not a fan of McGraw’s but I feel it is so important to be fair when making assessments and forming opinions.

Dr Grande, the way you speak about people with mental problems in this video is just beautiful. i almost got a little teary, you sound so sincere and respectful.

Dead on Dr. Grande. More people need to see this video. I’ve seen him embarrass guests for a rise, it’s not funny. Can’t stand that guy. It’s a shame he’s still on air. Again, thank you for your input.

I agree with you. I do not watch anymore. I also was annoyed by his wife’s frequent visits to promote her own beauty products. She looks as though she has had extensive plastic surgery. Her unnatural look is counterproductive to her message, I feel.

I'm glad to hear the compassion you have for people with mental health disorders . You're very respectful 🙏

Yes, sufferers of mental illness are among the most vulnerable in society. Thank you for protecting them and their interests.

I am really over this "Come one, come all, come see the freaks" style of show. The hosts themselves are the ones that need evaluated the most imao.

After watching this I was curious so I asked my therapist if he would recommend his patients go on Dr Phil. He basically told me Hell No, but in much nicer and more clinical terms. Thank you for making these videos and keep up the good work.

Finally someone stood up and expressed my thoughts of the dr Phil show

My best takeaway from the Dr Phil show (a million years ago) was what his father told him, and I quote - sort of - "you wouldn't worry so much about what people think about you, if you knew how seldom they did".

I think he's a manipulative bully.

“Physician heal thyself” is what comes to mind when Dr Phil gets on his ego rants. I will never forget the Shelley Duvall fiasco. If anything, she deserves her privacy, and there were no “teaching moments” as far as I could see. He is puffed up with himself.

6:04 exactly lol. Anyone with a bit of brain would know that when you are struggling mentally, going on national tv isn't exactly the way to go 🤦‍♂️😳

Enjoyable commentary. I tend to agree and most people I know think of the Dr. Phil Show as entertainment. I also know that it has caused many to seek mental health services because the show somehow resonated with them. Seeing mental health issues or dysfunction in relationships does create more acceptance and 'mainstream' ideas on care, similar to what we have toward dentistry. Just as with some media 'entertainers' it would not hurt for the program to run a disclaimer banner (like pharmacy ads) and the # for services available.

i appreciate people who care about the most vulnerable among us. thank you.

Not all mental health professionals respect the mentally ill, their autonomy etc. Aside from that, this was a very well articulated thoughtful interesting critique. Thank you.

I studied psychology and almost finished my degree but I had children in my last year of studying and it didn't work out, but I agree with you. I myself have years of experience as a patient with many mental health personnel and Dr Phil reminded me of my narcissist father! I would never treat my patient like that. Mental health is very delicate.

Yeah, it's been a while now since I started seeing this aspect of the Dr. Phill show, he's an ACTOR!

I'll never forget a Dr. Phil show where a teen/young woman was visibly angry, to the point of tears, because of her father's treatment of her. She gave as an example how her father would make donkey noises at her. Dr. Phil dismissed this and pretty much told the young woman to stop complaining over something so silly and get over it. This stuck with me I think because I had an abusive dad and if I were to share just one thing he'd do to upset me it may not be clear that he had a pattern of abusive behavior. That one thing, in isolation, might come off as "not a big deal." Also, the bigger question here, I thought, is why is this 50-year-old man making donkey noises anyway?? It pissed me off that Dr. Phil would basically defend that man.

I never liked him either. He comes across as someone with a huge ego and lots of secrets. He's like the Jerry Springer of Psychotherapy.

My step sister was actually on the show with her husband at the time. “Dr Phil” embarrassed and dismissed her concerns about her husband who couldn’t keep his eyes off other women. Another issue I had with him was the fact that her husband was pretty dang shallow and didn’t like that she had changed. Instead of trying to figure out why that bothered him dr Phil blamed my step sister for not keeping up with the same image. She used to dress like like a pop star because she looked like Britney Spears but she was saying that she wanted to dress more conservative and she didn’t want to act like a party girl anymore. Those are the things she was attacked for and made to feel embarrassed about. It was infuriating to watch.

Doctor your voice is so relaxing and peaceful, just listening to you take away my anxiety and gives me a positive mood.

Your critique attempted to be very balanced. Personally, I often find Phil McGraw to be biased and sometimes cruel. The latter, in itself, should have had him lose his licence well-before he gave it up.

"Dr." Phil has no empathy or compassion, and he exploits people for personal gain, which is pretty much what you've said here already. To be honest, I cannot stand him and have watched him only a handful of times and I was left feeling irritated and disgusted with his "holier than thou" attitude. Accurate assessment as usual, Dr. Grande.

I just came across Dr. Grande and I'm blown away by how reasoned, logical and fairly he is in analyzing The Dr. Phil Show. Phil McGraw has always seemed like a cartoon character to me, all bluster and show. He clearly enjoys his power over his guests and I can't watch when he takes them apart. He is paid to question folks and we all get to watch them squirm. And to think he makes all that $$$ when those who really help others have to make a living patiently listening and counseling one client at a time. I will watch Dr. Grande again. Ty.

I agree!! Thank you for speaking up! I went through a major family trauma & my aunt thought it’d be a good idea for us to go on the Dr. Phil show for help.🥴😧 I had to take a hard pass on that one. No way I was already messed up enough over what happened.

He is the televangelist of the psychology world.

I think he is a narcissist. I think he likes to hear himself talk.

I appreciate your videos tremendously. I have been doing in-home therapy for the past 5 years and your videos have taught me a new ways of conducting my sessions. Inspiring!!

I sure wish I had you as a teacher or professor growing up. You are objective and approach every episode with the same respect as the previous one.

Hearing a clinician say that they respect people who suffer from mental disorders, and acknowledging that they deserve protection and care, was really moving and an important value that I do not see reflected across society. Thanks for sharing these educational videos, I really do think they will work to decrease stigma. I would like to mention that I work at an emergency shelter and your videos have helped me have greater empathy and patience and better communication with clients who might be having symptoms of mental health disorders. Even though I have had my own struggles with mental health issues, there is always more to learn and understand, and understanding truly does cut right through stigma.

He annoys me by asking questions then answering those questions himself. It’s as if his guests are just there to boost his ego.

"Dr." Phil is an entertainer, NOT a legitimate doctor.

This was one of your best videos. Your comments, towards the end, about mentally ill people being vulnerable and deserving of protection was wonderful to hear. Phil McGraw should learn from you.

Dr. Phil breaks my heart constantly. Seeing how he treats people. His take on Borderline was disgusing and only ADDED to the stigma..

Thank you for your critique of the Dr. Phil show. I have felt the same for years. I do confess I like to watch the show but only as long as I can stomach it or him or his wife. I like the show because I am fascinated with human behavior and I do find it entertaining. I have always felt though that Dr Phil likes to parade people in difficult situations on his show and bully them in front of a national television audience. And in front of a groupie like audience. I don't like the way he braggs about his and his wife's accomplishments and continuously touts his and her products. It seems to me to be more of a modern day snake oil show that so many of these TV shows are. Thank you for sharing your amazing analytical skills. I absolutely love your videos. You are helping your viewers infinitely more than Dr Phil could ever do

I have much respect for you dr grande. My wish is to find a therapist like you. Is there anyway you could perhaps add ‘finding a local therapist’ who’s ethics and ideas align with yours- to your website? That would be such a help. Thank you for your compassion towards people who suffer daily with mental illness.

I've been wanting to consult with a therapist/psychologist but watching Dr Phil always gives me a second thought ☹

17:30. Irrespective of Dr. Phil - one way or the other - it's YOUR sense of fairness and true respect for the mentally ill that makes me appreciate your channel the most.

I've always found this show unethical and I thought it was just me.

I found this video in particular, enlightening with regard to the ethics of mental health practitioners. Not having any experience in the mental health field, it was heartening to learn of the respect that practitioners have for people with mental health issues. When viewed in this light, the manner in which Phil McGraw treats some of his guests does not seem to comply with the fundamental ethics of his profession. One can't help but come to the conclusion that Phil McGraw exploits some of his guests for the sake of entertainment. If this is the case, then it is a shame.

Didn't ol' Oprah give him his platform?! I'm pretty sure that's how it played out. 🙄 I love Dr. Grande, because he's such an intelligent & honest professional.

I watched the "Dr." Phil Show years ago when he started his own show and found his so-called professional advice mainly based on the Twelve Step Program. So, it was no surprise to me when I later discovered that his father was an alcoholic and I assume he gained a lot of knowledge from the simple, yet the very effective program of AA. The cold, almost ice-cold expression in his eyes while listening to his guests on stage, to me shows no empathy or compassion for the guests sitting in front of him, and it seems to me that he exploits people for his own personal gain. I cannot stand Robyn when she's entering with him to get her moment of fame. I became extremely irritated when he also, at a stage, had his son on the show and then got so disgusted that I stopped watching at once. Thank you, Dr. Grande.

I’m a licensed therapist and I thank you for this video!!!

Thats what so many of us have been thinking: How is it a good idea to show your problems to a world full of people ready to take an advantage of them? Its like releasing a sheep to the wolves. Many have been bullied afterwards. But he explains things well, I think. Thats very helpful.

I was interviewed for Dr. Phil's show twice. His producers are wonderful and very caring. They have led me to believe he is a wonderful man.

I’ve long thought of “Dr. Phil” as a charlatan who exploits his guests. Thank you for this video.

When I was younger (I mean VERY young) I wrote to the show because I was hoping maybe Dr. Phil would talk to me or someone from his show would talk to me. (I was extremely naive). I had a situation where my parents were being very controlling and they would stalk me through security cameras and question my every move. I just wanted help to see what I could do to make that behavior stop. The show would not stop calling me. They wanted to get me and my family on the show. I never gave them information on my parents because I was pretty sure they would continue to call. I figured out that they weren’t interesting in helping me. They just wanted to expose the drama.

I wouldnt take my dying dog to this elite puppet.

I have a friend who went on Dr. Phil, and he said "THEY LIE TO YOU ON DR. PHIL!" They put each guest in a separate room and run back and forth to each person saying "You're mom just said this" or "Your wife just said that" to ramp everyone up and get the drama ready before the show even starts filming. Another friend is from Dallas, where Phil McGraw is from, and good old Phil was a drunk on a bar stool every afternoon before he was discovered by Oprah. These friends don't know each other and I never told either about what the other said. Phil is a con artist who is ruining people's lives.

My deepest concerns are with those suffering from psychosis whom Dr. Phil has positioned as a source of humor for his audiences. I use humor at work but not at the expense of a patient. There is nothing funny about this condition, which in and of itself can be traumatic. His ability to have a television show connotes authority and status. This concerns me. I find Dr. Phil likable as a person, but it is clear that his aim is to make money. This was demonstrated by his "jump on the bandwagon" endorsement for certain nutrition bars. There is no magic solution to any problem. I fear people get sucked in by drama and authoritarianism.

“They deserve our protection and our care. I concur. “. Thanks

You hit the nail right on the head. Thank you for bringing awareness to the situation

Dr I have admired your wisdom and just been a fan from the first video I've seen and have loved every one since but this one you say some absolute loving inspiring uplifting messages thank you

You sound like such a kind, compassionate professional. I’ve been in and out of the mental health system for 16 years (as a patient) and not once have I felt like my therapists/psychiatrists felt like you feel about us mentally ill. Thanks for these videos & for being one of the few kind mental health professionals out there.

Ugh. Mr McGraw is no Dr. Grande. 😉👍🌹 Thank you, doctor.

With my limited education but with my life skills I’ve always found him as a fraud the opposite happened when I started watching your videos you make me smarter you teach me new words and you make me feel good thank you for what you do

I don't get to watch this channel as much as if like because the man relentlessly pumps out content lol (which is a positive, not a negative) but every once in a while I have some time to kill... And I never regret the time I spend listening... Dr. Grande probably helps more people in a few hours than Dr. Phil ever has... Thank you, sir!