Dr. Phil Has No Friends

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

17 Jan 2008 10:35 AM

Dr. Phil may be ruing the day he even heard the name Britney Spears. Since getting involved in the trainwreck's life not only has he been sanctioned by his "colleagues," the outspoken Texas transplant is learning he has no friends in Hollywood.

First thing's first--it's important to note that despite all the hoopla surrounding the TV shrink giving advice to the Spears family, and then issuing a statement regarding the derailed singer's psychological condition, documents prove Phillip McGraw has never been licensed to practice in California, and he retired his Texas license in 2006.

With that said, TMZ.com is reporting that a practicing psychologist (a real doctor) recently filed a complaint against McGraw (the TV doctor) with the California Board of Psychology. The paperwork alleges Dr. Phil was illegally practicing without a license when he paid a visit to Britney Spears at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center earlier this month.

You'll recall the good doc made the rounds on several entertainment news shows claiming he was invited by Brit's parents to talk some sense into their daughter while she was involuntarily hospitalized following the pandemonium she cause when she refused to give her youngest son back to her ex-husband Kevin Federline.

In the official complaint lodged with the California Board of Psychology, the petitioner says he believes when Dr. Phil visited Brit in the hospital he was practicing psychology, which would be against the law since practicing without a license is a felony in California.

The complaint also alleges Dr. Phil violated HIPAA laws by "discussing or divulging a patient's medical condition ... with the media," in reference to a press release issued by Dr. Phil.

According to TMZ, if the California Board of Psychology finds the complaint credible it would be referred to the District Attorney for review and if the D.A. finds that Dr. Phil violated the law he would be charged as such.

But wait there's more... according to the complaint, "A petition is being circulated to remove the "Dr. Phil" show from the air." Apparently, the doctor who wrote the complaint has created a petition and is circulating it among the psychology community encouraging others to sign up to get Phil booted from the airwaves.

And if that wasn't enough to get the big guy down McGraw is suffering backlash from members of the entertainment community as well.

Sources close to McGraw's syndicated talk show say Dr. Phil is having a tough time booking high profile guests for his big 1,000th episode.

The show was reportedly slated as a "celebrity tribute" to the TV quack, but since McGraw's ill-considered "intervention" with the queen of meltdowns "nobody good wants to go near it," according to a source familiar with the booking process.

As a result, Dr. Phil producers have reportedly been promising A-listers who agree to appear on the anniversary show that they can promote any project or charity that they're involved in. And to prove just how desperate show bookers have become sources say some have been implying that appearing on Dr. Phil's show could be seen as a favor "for Oprah" since Winfrey's Harpo Studios produces the show.

Related Articles:

Commish to Britney: Keep Away From Your Kids!

Britney Spears' MAJOR Monday Court Date

Britney Spears Probably Won't See Kids Until April

Britney Fields Offer for Free Legal Aid While Her Parents Try To Have Her Committed

Spears Family Slams Dr. Phil

Dr. Phil Cancels Britney Intervention Show

Dr. Phil Defends Britney Ambush

Dr. Phil Smells Fresh Meat and Her Name is Britney Spears

Britney Spears Released From Hospital---Medical Staff Rejoices

Britney Loses Kids Again---But for How Long?

Britney Update: Locked Up then Locked Down

Britney Spears Flips Out Causes Pandemonium in L.A.

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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mcmama (51978) 17 Jan 2008 11:14 AM

Michelle, I guess you don't like Dr Phil!!!

I guess I can understand not having a license in California, although that is pretty stupid, since it can be argued that he practices on TV. But the texas license is pretty scary.

Kara (21185) 17 Jan 2008 12:04 PM

I think the whole thing is a bit silly...couldn't he just call it "advice" and get away with it? There is no law against giving advice.

Michele Cheplic (37236) 18 Jan 2008 05:29 AM

It's not that I like/dislike him per say I just think that his press release following his visit with Britney made him appear opportunistic--like he wanted to get something in return for services rendered--never mind that he is not licensed anywhere in the US. I agree with Kara he should have just kept his promise to the Spears by talking to Brit then kept his own mouth shut so his "helped" appeared to be unconditional.

2girls (6105) 18 Jan 2008 12:59 PM

No matter what was said in public, it won't change the fact that the Spears Family is a mess. I have to say though, it was a great way to take some of the heat off of them an put it on someone else for while.

Libby Pelham (12866) 19 Jan 2008 09:28 PM

I still kinda put the blame on the Spears family. Seriously, if you needed marital advice, would you invite Jerry Sprinter over? If they seriously wanted to find her help, common sense (which apparently no one in the family possesses) dictates that you call in the best, not some tv shrink.