Not at all surprisingly, a Psychologist has filed a formal complaint with the California Board of Psychology against Phil “Dr. Phil” McGraw, as a result of his bizarre unauthorized and unwanted visit to pop star Britney Spears while she was hospitalized in the Cedars-Sinai psychiatric unit. I previously discussed that situation in more detail on this blog in the entry Britney, falling Cedars, and pop psychology gurus.
According to the complaint he is practicing psychology without a license (a felony in California), violating HIPAA regulations by discussing Ms. Spears’ medical condition with the media, and that he is not permitted to use the title “Dr.” when giving psychological advice unless he is licensed as a psychologist.
Dr. Phil was at one time licensed in Texas, but has never had a license in California and currently does not have a license in any state. As previously discussed, Dr. Phil gave up his license when he was ordered to undergo ethics training as a condition of keeping that license.
The complaint further says that a petition is being circulated to have “The Dr. Phil Show” removed from the airways. I’d sign that. I don’t like pop psychology anyway, and I honestly believe this man is a menace whose advice could cause more harm than good.
