David Baxter PhD
Late Founder
Mental Health Activist Files Complaint Against 'Dr. Phil'
June 2, 2004
A mental health activist has filed a complaint against the "Dr. Phil" show with the Federal Communications Commission, alleging the show fails to air an adequate viewer disclaimer.
In the complaint, Neal Sutz of Mesa, Az., said a statement advising viewers that psychologist Phil McGraw's advice show is intended as entertainment and not counseling should be shown before each episode.
Sutz said the brief disclaimer at the end of the show, which was added after he had publicly criticized the lack of an on-screen advisory, was not enough.
Paramount Domestic Television, which produces the syndicated series, declined comment.
Previously, a studio executive said McGraw always has been explicit that the show is not intended to be a substitute for professional therapy.
June 2, 2004
A mental health activist has filed a complaint against the "Dr. Phil" show with the Federal Communications Commission, alleging the show fails to air an adequate viewer disclaimer.
In the complaint, Neal Sutz of Mesa, Az., said a statement advising viewers that psychologist Phil McGraw's advice show is intended as entertainment and not counseling should be shown before each episode.
Sutz said the brief disclaimer at the end of the show, which was added after he had publicly criticized the lack of an on-screen advisory, was not enough.
Paramount Domestic Television, which produces the syndicated series, declined comment.
Previously, a studio executive said McGraw always has been explicit that the show is not intended to be a substitute for professional therapy.
