Dr. Phil — Season 16
Singer Sinéad O'Connor sought assistance from Dr. Phil, requesting his intervention in securing a long-term residential treatment program. She also expressed a desire for a public forum to share her experiences, aiming to challenge the stig…
The father of a college student and her stepmother have leveled accusations against her boyfriend, alleging emotional and verbal abuse. They assert that his behavior contributed to her death by suicide.
Brittney, sixteen and already adrift from formal schooling, filled her days with casual gatherings, the taste of alcohol, and the scent of marijuana, all while cultivating a presence as a rising figure on YouTube.
According to family, Lisa, described as a person struggling with severe alcohol abuse, has taken her ninety-year-old father’s cancer medication and physically harmed him.
Jerry claims to have invested over three million dollars in an attempt to save his son from a devastating addiction to heroin and crack. In a televised intervention, Dr. Phil presents Jerry’s wife and daughter with video evidence of him pro…
Linda suspects her sister, now retired, is the victim of a deception. A man she's been corresponding with, claiming to be in Cairo, Egypt, has quickly begun requesting financial assistance.
Corryn, barely a teenager, is consumed by her volatile relationship. She calls him repeatedly throughout the day, a hundred times perhaps, and has resorted to trespassing on his property, lurking in the shadows to observe his actions. Her p…
Having shed three hundred pounds over the course of two years, Debbie nonetheless struggles with a diminished sense of self, compounded by the possessive and distrustful nature of her fiancé.
Carrie, battling a drug addiction, confesses to driving her daughter while impaired and to using heroin in the school restroom where her daughter attends classes.
Bill and Jen describe their lives as relentlessly difficult, a constant struggle fueled by the behavior of their daughters, ages sixteen and eighteen. The girls have engaged in a pattern of destructive actions: violent outbursts, reckless d…
A storm of emotion brewed within Bill and Jen as they wrestled with a painful choice regarding the future of their volatile teenage daughters.
Bekah explained that she had removed her mother from her children’s lives due to concerns about her mental state. She described her mother as unstable, prone to wrongdoing, and even having discharged a firearm within her own home.
Following a peculiar illness contracted after consuming a hamburger, Shaela’s parents report significant changes in her behavior. The ordeal has resulted in a cascade of misfortunes: the loss of her employment, her home, and familial ties.
The brothers recounted a childhood marked by abandonment. Their mother, they said, had left them as children, adrift in a series of homes as she moved on to establish a new family elsewhere.
Susan recounts that her son has been arrested fifteen times, a situation that has necessitated over a hundred thousand dollars in bail money. Raquel, meanwhile, expresses her weariness with the actions of her brother and mother.
Ana Estevez speaks of the loss of her son, Piqui, and reveals her reflections on his father, the man who confessed to taking his life.
Margaret faces an impossible choice. Her husband insists she must choose between him and her son, Tommy, who is struggling with a profound illness. Meanwhile, Tommy’s biological father has voiced his concern, describing his son as troubled …
Actress Jan Broberg has stated that she was taken against her will on two occasions during her childhood, when she was twelve and fourteen years old. The alleged abductions were carried out by Robert Berchtold, a family friend.
In a recent episode, Dr. Phil addressed the 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas, an event that stands as the deadliest in modern American history. He spoke with survivors of the tragedy and visited hospitals where victims were receiving care, o…
Susan describes her son as a burden: indolent, prone to theft, without work, and prone to aggression. He refuses to contribute to his own upkeep, nor does he provide for his four-month-old child.
Dakota insists on being a defiant spirit, wholly indifferent to rules and those who enforce them. Her mother, Cydney, admits to a complete lack of influence over her daughter, having relinquished any attempt at discipline.
Stacey and Dan allege that their eighteen-year-old daughter, Tylor, engages in verbal, emotional, and physical abuse directed at the entire family. Tylor, however, contends that it is her parents who are the abusive ones.
Angie and Hunter have come to accept that compelling their son, Rivers, to attend school is futile. He is consumed by a desire for music and video games, and resists all attempts at structure, his parents report.
Sherry insists she lives in constant fear of her eight-year-old son, tormented by his sudden, aggressive episodes. She attributes his volatile behavior to his father, Todd.
David describes his daughter, still in her early twenties, as prone to sudden, violent outbursts. She consistently resists her prescribed medications, engages with illegal substances, and disregards the law by repeatedly driving under the i…
The young woman, barely out of her teens, might be struggling under the weight of familial pressures, a contributing factor to her volatile, alcohol-fueled outbursts. It is possible, too, that a more profound issue lies beneath the surface …
Amanda describes her former husband’s mother as a spiteful, manipulative liar. The mother-in-law, however, claims Amanda suffers from anger issues, alleging threats to arson and physical assault, including five blows to the head.
At fifteen, Malia formed a relationship with a man of thirty-five, and he now faces potential imprisonment. Her parents express a deep-seated fear that their efforts to reach her will be futile, and that she may suffer irreparable harm as a…
Amber alleges that the mother of her husband’s sons suffers from Munchausen syndrome and Munchausen syndrome by proxy, claiming she has been overmedicating the children and fabricating illnesses, including cancer. The boys' mother, however,…
Steve vehemently denies allegations of sexual misconduct against his three stepdaughters, offering to submit to a polygraph examination to prove his innocence. Meanwhile, his biological daughter discloses a long-held secret.
The woman exerted control over her teenage daughter’s life, granting her freedom from school, access to substances, and participation in intimate relationships. Together, they sought to persuade the girl's conventional father to embrace th…
Gabrielle, still a teenager, hears from her grandmother that she’s lost her way, a descent fueled by the pervasive negativity of her mother, who cultivates a domineering persona.
Courtney alleges that her former friend, Amie, has made false claims of pregnancy on three separate occasions, citing a total of five miscarriages. Amie, in response, expressed deep disgust at Courtney’s unfounded and deeply hurtful accusat…
For years, Gypsy Rose Blanchard endured a life meticulously constructed by her mother, a life built on a foundation of falsehoods. Forced to feign illness, she became a canvas for relentless medical interventions – surgeries performed with …
The insidious grip of Munchausen syndrome by proxy culminated in a tragic act: Gypsy Rose Blanchard determined that the only path to freedom from years of relentless abuse lay in the death of her own mother.
Actress and model Teri Copley expressed deep concern for the well-being of her daughter, Ashley, and granddaughter, a three-year-old child. She alleges that Ashley’s boyfriend, Hector, has demonstrated physical abuse, and that the family cu…
At nineteen, Chase left his college studies following a period of marijuana use, which he attributes to the onset of mental difficulties. Since returning home, however, his parents report a history of unsettling behavior.
The woman’s connection to her former fiancé descends into a life-threatening ordeal when he assaults her with brutal force. It is her daughter who intervenes, ultimately saving her mother’s life.
Tatiana has departed from the faith of Jehovah's Witnesses and desires her husband to do the same. Child Protective Services has placed their children in foster care following what the parents describe as a regrettable misunderstanding, and…
Tina insists that, beneath the surface of her eleven-year-old daughter's gentle demeanor – the one most would perceive as sweetly innocent – lurks a dangerous killer.
At fifteen, Sadara has a record of over fifty arrests. She smokes, drinks, and abandoned her schooling, turning to theft of expensive goods. Her parents are deeply divided on how to guide her, and Sadara directs her resentment squarely at h…
In his program, Dr. Phil shares the journeys of recovery from nearly five hundred individuals he has assisted through residential treatment for substance abuse.
Melissa states that her husband steadfastly avoids employment, favors outlandish attire described as resembling a "demonic clown," and dedicates his days to crafting and disseminating intensely disturbing music centered on violent acts. Fel…
Last year, allegations of sexual abuse and harassment surfaced, engulfing former Rabbi Marc Gafni in a public scandal. He recently appeared for an interview with Dr. Phil.
Kristine describes her daughter as consumed by resentment, a failing parent to her three young children, and suffering from a mental illness. She insists her daughter experiences hallucinations of fairies and believes herself to be the rein…
Dr. Phil maintains contact with former guests, revisiting stories of profound hardship. These include the sons of parents who alleged they inflicted relentless emotional torment, a woman branded a raging alcoholic by her own daughter, and a…
Darlene alleges that Melinda, the support group leader, is a deceitful and emotionally unstable individual who preyed upon vulnerable people following the 2016 Tennessee wildfires. She claims Melinda defrauded those seeking comfort and aid …
Kelly recounts how her daughter, Danielle, underwent a startling transformation. Once a lively and spirited young woman, she now exists as someone consumed by health anxieties, bordering on hypochondria, and plagued by compulsive hoarding.
Aja declares she has reached the end of her ability to care for her mother. Years of neglect, during which Aja and her sister were consistently overlooked, have fostered in the older woman a sense of entitlement and a destructive addiction.…
Authorities allege that thirteen children were subjected to starvation, confinement through chains, and severe abuse by their parents. A wave of grief and outrage has followed the revelation, with family members, neighbors, and childhood fr…
Marty and Marla, divorced and locked in a bitter dispute over their parenting agreement, have prompted over one hundred police responses. The conflict escalated when Marla accused Marty’s new wife of child abduction and attempted poisoning …
Vanessa harbors a deep-seated fear that any food she consumes will cause her to choke and die. Meanwhile, Sexy Vegan, who was previously removed from the stage by security, makes a return appearance.
Bailey, twenty-one, recounts that eight months ago, a single tweet from a stranger sparked an immediate connection – love at first post, she claims. She describes their relationship as unlike any other love story, yet the startling trut…
On Thursday, viewers were introduced to Bailey, a 21-year-old who claims to possess the most remarkable love story of our time. She recounted meeting Jasmine on social media eight months prior, describing it as love at first connection. …
Crystal leveled a terrible accusation against her ex-boyfriend, Anthony: that he sexually assaulted their three-year-old daughter on at least two occasions in 2016. While she admits to not having witnessed these acts herself, Crystal insist…
In a deeply charged discussion, Dr. Phil engages with Crystal, who alleges that her former boyfriend, Anthony, sexually assaulted their three-year-old daughter on at least two occasions in 2016. Crystal’s mother, Barbara, joins the conve…
At twenty-one, Ivey states that her sole experience with work has been as an escort, a path she maintains is temporary, undertaken only to secure a stable home for herself and her four-year-old son. Two years ago, when her mother, Faith,…
Karla asserts she is married to film industry icon Tyler Perry, maintaining regular contact through online chats and text messages. However, this idyllic romance has a significant flaw: she has never actually met the man she considers h…
Kourtney and Kelly persist in their efforts to persuade their mother, Karla, that she is not Mrs. Tyler Perry, but rather a victim of an online fraudster who has already defrauded her of $100,000 from her retirement savings. Karla is run…
Stacey alleges that her sister, Courtney, has fabricated pregnancies, and expresses anger that their parents appear to accept these falsehoods, citing Courtney's claims of a mental illness. Stacey, who shares a home with Courtney and the…
Dennis is the object of affection for four women: his daughter Amanda, his wife Michelle, his girlfriend Melissa, and his estranged daughter Kaley, born from a past indiscretion. Amanda views her father as a master manipulator, driven b…
Amanda asserts that her father, Dennis, is a controlling, sexist man who has caused heartbreak to every woman he has loved, including her mother, Michelle, and his current partner, Melissa. Yet, twenty-seven years prior to this, Dennis had …
Erica's family believes her boyfriend, Chris, has exerted undue influence, convincing her that he represents an idealized, flawless person. They allege he has persuaded Erica that humanity’s salvation lies in embracing his particular belief…
Sheila recounts that when Simon, the man she loved, said his farewells, he stated he was merely departing for a short time, promising a return accompanied by flowers delivered in a limousine. He never returned. Sheila maintains that prio…
Whitney reached out to Dr. Phil seeking counsel. She recounts feeling as though she’d squandered years on someone she believed was destined to be her soulmate. Whitney has been with Adam, her high school sweetheart, since the age of sixt…
Feeling utterly defeated after already securing five orders of protection against her ex-husband, Steve, Lisa reached out to Dr. Phil for assistance. She stated that a request for a sixth order of protection had been denied. Lisa maintai…
In a rare and revealing interview, a friend of Nikolas Cruz, who lived with him for three months prior to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Florida, shares his story for the first time. He recounts the final text he r…
In the first installment of his two-part special on the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, Dr. Phil interviewed those who had known Nikolas Cruz: members of his foster family, classmates, and a former teacher. Today, Dr. Phi…
For twenty years, Jason and Brooke have prioritized their faith, believing God should be the foundation of their lives. Serving as assistant pastors, they dedicate themselves to assisting those struggling, a commitment reflected in the adop…
Ryann asserts that her sister, Stephanie, is deeply unstable, her delusional and paranoid tendencies unraveling her life and posing a threat to herself and her children. Ryann and their mother, Jode, suggest Stephanie’s self-destructive …
Kim alleges that her father sexually abused her between the ages of seven and fourteen. Bob acknowledges a "consensual sexual relationship" with his daughter Kim, he states, beginning when she was twelve. He maintains that Kim initiated …
Yesterday, Kim faced her father, Bob, who confessed to a “consensual sexual relationship” with her during her childhood. Bob maintains that Kim initiated fifty percent of their intimate encounters and that he never coerced her into anything…
Karla wrote to the program expressing profound fear for her daughter, Abby, who she claims suffers from debilitating PTSD stemming from a demonic possession that has lasted over a decade. Karla states that during these periods of possession…
Vanessa harbors a deep-seated fear that any food she consumes will cause her to choke and perish. Meanwhile, Sexy Vegan, previously removed from the stage by security during a prior appearance, is scheduled to return.
Former Secret Service agent Sam describes her husband's behavior as a corrosive force, dismantling their marriage and fracturing their family. His volatile anger, directed relentlessly at their ten-year-old son, creates an atmosphere of con…
Anthony Scaramucci, widely known as "The Mooch," achieved sudden notoriety last year when President Trump appointed him White House Communications Director. However, his tenure proved remarkably brief; he was dismissed after just eleven day…
Sadie, Skylar, and Zoe allege their mother, Niki, has neglected them since their parents' divorce, pursuing a series of relationships, a claim Niki vehemently denies. The daughters now assert that Niki has prioritized her seven-month-old bo…
Jon Taffer, known for his work on "Bar Rescue," addresses Karen and Jim, along with their adult son Kyle, who exhibits a pattern of dependence and frequently offers justifications for his inability to establish independence.
Actor Terry Crews, known for his role in "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," and his wife, Rebecca, are at the center of a troubling allegation. Nicole, Rebecca's stepdaughter, claims that the father of her children installed a tracking device on her pho…
Alma penned a letter to the program, pleading for assistance. Her sixteen-year-old had been behaving erratically, culminating in the posting of a video containing a racist slur.
Demi Lovato, the acclaimed pop artist, recently shared deeply personal reflections in an interview, addressing her past challenges, her journey to sobriety, and her commitment to supporting her fanbase. Furthermore, Lovato has collabora…
Twenty years after the death of his daughter, Carl speaks of a sudden cascade of misfortune: four heart attacks in four days, a liver ravaged by cancer. His surviving daughters and a sister finally confront him with the truth of his self-in…
His parents describe their son, a man now in middle age, as a figure of menace: violent, deceitful, and relentlessly manipulative. He rejects employment and has, they allege, misappropriated over $100,000 of their savings. He confesses to t…
Debbie claims a pervasive allergy, meticulously avoiding any substance she deems problematic. Her husband, however, suggests the reality is far different, arguing that her supposed sensitivities stem from an obsessive-compulsive disorder, a…
Seeking a life transformed by promises whispered across the internet, Jessica journeyed to Las Vegas. Instead of the glittering future she envisioned, she found herself ensnared in a nightmare: trafficked, abused, and ultimately cast adrift…
Jessica, living on the streets, confronts her parents. They accuse her of dishonesty and insist she take a pregnancy test. The actress Vivica A. Fox, known for her roles in "Empire" and her book "Every Day I'm Hustling," is involved.
Anika, a bright child who excelled academically and once performed on the violin at Carnegie Hall, now lives as a homeless woman. Her mother recounts a troubling history of behavioral problems, a stark contrast to Anika's early promise, and…
At fourteen, Tatum courted peril with clandestine encounters arranged through the internet and nightly escapes from her home. Her current residence is a juvenile detention facility, the consequence of an assault against her mother.
The three sisters describe their mother, Shelly, as a woman consumed by alcohol, prone to abusive behavior toward them and their father, and a constant source of threats against his life. Shelly, however, maintains that she is the one who s…
The shadow of my sister’s murder has stretched across my life for three decades now. Fifteen years old when she died, the brutality of it still claws at me. Back then, I was the prime suspect, and even now, all these years later, whispers f…
The memory remains vivid: eight years prior, AJ discovered his grandmother in a crimson pool, the aftermath of a savage home invasion. His family insists he leans too heavily on his PTSD, using it as justification for his violent outbursts,…
The parents of a newborn daughter have disclosed a pattern of physical violence directed at one another.
Upon learning of the neglect suffered by her toddler grandson, Sandy and her husband initiated proceedings to secure permanent guardianship. Her daughter, now employed full-time and stably housed, maintains that she is rightfully entitled t…
According to Laurie-Ann, her former boyfriend, a man she describes as dangerous and narcissistic, and his new fiancée are enacting retribution for her decision to speak out and press charges against him. The charges encompass allegations of…
Emily Heistand, a woman of twenty-three, recounted the events of the attack, detailing how she stabbed John Ludwick, a man who had allegedly aided in concealing the body of Natalee Holloway, during the assault. The incident occurred in Flor…
Splendor and Jeremie harbor a deep concern that their daughter is experiencing abuse at the hands of her boyfriend. The young woman, however, confesses a need for personal growth, specifically in her role as a mother.
The whirlwind courtship and swift marriage had ended, leaving Holly with a chilling realization. Her new husband, the man she had so recently pledged herself to, had sought her hand not out of love, but for the vast fortune she was due to i…
Sandy believes her twenty-two-year-old son’s world has stopped since the death of his closest friend from a drug overdose. Her husband, however, struggles to comprehend the depth of his son's grief. Thomas, Sandy’s husband’s stepfather, vie…
At twenty-three, Jordan admits to a perverse fondness for the attention her anorexia brings. Her stepfather, however, declares he has invested over a hundred thousand dollars in attempts to save her, and that he is finished.
At twenty-three, Jordan describes her eating disorder as a constant companion. Meanwhile, her parents are determined to remove the boyfriend from her life. In Cleveland, Michelle Knight, a survivor of a kidnapping, shares the story of her c…
Jenny’s teenagers describe a mother who rarely leaves her bed, perpetually shadowed by threats of abandonment or reckless driving. Then, Jenny discloses a family secret, one she has guarded for nearly two decades.
Maryann ended her relationship with the man she'd met online the moment she discovered he was married and unfaithful. Now, they seek Dr. Phil's opinion on whether a marriage is a viable path forward.
In a secluded, almost forgotten town, a religious community faces grave accusations: the alleged confinement of a member against her wishes for years. A former member recounts a harrowing experience of indoctrination, forced medication, and…
In 2013, Catherine Grove, a young nursing student with a promising future and striking beauty, disappeared without a trace. Soon after, her parents, consumed by dread, learned that she was alive and residing in Wells, Texas, within the e…
Even after reducing her fifteen-year-old daughter Nicolette’s monthly allowance from five thousand to one thousand dollars, Nina reports that Nicolette continues to overspend on her credit cards, striving to maintain the lifestyle of her pe…
On March 5, 2014, Tricia was arrested on charges of heroin distribution, resulting in a fatal overdose of the intended recipient. Found culpable for the man’s death, Tricia was convicted of reckless homicide and given a three-year prison…
Dr. Phil facilitates a tense discussion between sisters Tricia and Christy, locked in a bitter dispute over the custody of Tricia’s children. While Tricia served time in prison, Christy was granted legal guardianship of Tricia’s two daughte…
Since banishing her nineteen-year-old daughter, Marie, for voting for Hillary Clinton, Shirley insists Marie has embarked on a perilous path—a life of substance abuse and, most distressingly, as a sugar baby. Marie’s choices stand in sta…
Mercuree reached out to Dr. Phil seeking assistance, alleging she is the target of a sustained campaign of cyberstalking, harassment, and threats by Chrissy Monroe, a former cast member of VH1’s “Love & Hip Hop.” Mercuree asserts that Ch…
In 2011, Rebecca Zahau, a young woman of striking beauty, was discovered naked and hanging from the balcony of her wealthy boyfriend's estate. Though authorities declared her death a suicide, her family vehemently disputes this, maintaining…
Raegon and Steve assert that their seventeen-year-old daughter, Maya, has transformed into a defiant and volatile young woman, skipping school and engaging with substance abuse, her life careening towards chaos. They attribute this decline …
Chad and his fiancée, McKenzie, are set to marry this September. McKenzie had long envisioned her twin sister, Brittanie, as her maid of honor. However, recent weeks have brought a drastic change of plans. McKenzie has asked Brittanie not t…
Michele admits she never anticipated continuing to financially support her daughter, Stephanie, long after she left college – a burden she’s carried for nine years. This has effectively prevented Stephanie from pursuing her own aspirations,…
Hannah reached out to the program, pleading for assistance with her mother, Teresa. Hannah asserted that her mother's demeanor had deteriorated following a significant weight loss of over one hundred pounds and the passing of her husband, H…
In the second installment of this family story, Hannah, her sister Charlie, and their aunt Debbie confront their mother, Teresa. Teresa declares an end to her role as caretaker, stating that if her family cannot find joy in her happiness, t…
By fourteen, Taylor had amassed a following of approximately thirty thousand on social media, achieving a degree of fame at a young age. Now twenty, she reports that images and videos of her continue to circulate widely, though not through …
The case of Amy Yu, the sixteen-year-old for whom an AMBER Alert was broadcast, brought forty-five-year-old Kevin Esterly into the public eye. Police reports indicate that the father of four shared a clandestine relationship with Yu, the te…
For two decades, Danuta and John have navigated the legal system, appearing in court over two hundred times, and the conflict remains as intense as it ever was. Danuta alleges that John sexually abused their children and has subjected them …
Paul recalls that a year ago, when his wife, Alaska, launched what she described as a legitimate "cuddling" business intended to help those struggling with PTSD, anxiety, and depression, he was supportive. His enthusiasm waned, however, whe…
Dr. Phil continues his discussion with Alaska, who explains she launched a "cuddling" business to offer solace to those struggling with PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Alaska’s husband, Paul, admits he initially approved of the concept, but …
Amber recounts meeting Shawn Grate at church, describing him as immediately loving, kind, and attentive. A spark ignited between them, and they were married within four months. However, shortly after the wedding, Amber says Shawn underwent …
Lacey reports hearing voices emanating from vents, heaters, and the woods, a constant chorus throughout her days. Meanwhile, Dr. Dan Siegel, in his book "Aware," explores the practice of meditation.
Cole recounts a childhood marked by his mother’s neglect and disappointment. Yet, she places the responsibility for this on his aunt, who became his primary caregiver. Now, Nancy’s thirty-seven-year-old daughter finds herself recently divor…
John admits to experiencing violent impulses – a desire to torture, kill, and dismember. He holds a disturbing admiration for Arthur Shawcross, his former pen pal and a notorious serial killer. But Shawcross’s daughter, along with the siste…
Courtney’s ongoing dispute with Amie, a former friend she alleges fabricated stories of pregnancies and infant deaths, continues to unfold. Meanwhile, Dr. Phil engages with a teenager whose disturbing inner life has deeply distressed her mo…
Lena has written to the program on over thirty occasions, expressing that Dr. Phil represents her last chance to help her struggling fifteen-year-old son, Cole, regain stability after repeated expulsions from schools and residences. Cole, i…
Fifteen-year-old Gracie has become increasingly withdrawn, resisting all attempts to attend school. Her defiance extends beyond the classroom, resulting in frequent legal entanglements. Adding to these difficulties, she shares suggestive i…
Lace harbors no belief that her mother acted in self-defense when she shot Lace’s father, an act that left him permanently confined to a wheelchair.
Chrysta seeks Dr. Phil's counsel on a pivotal decision: whether to proceed with the marriage to her devoted fiancé, or to sever ties. The question hangs heavy because of incidents involving his young son, who has twice attempted to harm her…
Bob admits his wife has indulged in a lavish spending habit, outlaying thousands of dollars daily on apparel, handbags, and automobiles. Yet, he has refrained from intervening, paralyzed by a deep-seated fear of her departure.
