Visit by McGraw to Hospital Room Sparks Criticism from Spears Family and Mental Health Advocates

Another contentious case arose in January 2008, when McGraw visited pop star Britney Spears in her hospital room. The visit by McGraw drew criticism from the Spears family and mental health professionals; it appeared to be part of an attempt at getting Spears and her parents to participate in an 'intervention' on the Dr. Phil television show. Immediately after the visit, McGraw issued public statements about Spears' situation that the Spears' family spokeswoman Lou Taylor said violated their family's trust in McGraw. 'This is another example of a trust being betrayed', Taylor told Today co-host Meredith Vieira. 'Rather than helping the family's situation, the celebrity psychologist caused additional damage'. Several mental health care professionals criticized McGraw for his actions, but fellow television psychologist Joyce Brothers defended McGraw. It was reported that a psychologist filed a complaint with the California Board of Psychology (BOP), alleging that McGraw had practiced psychology without a license and had violated doctor-patient privilege by discussing Spears' case with the media. A copy of the complaint appeared in the media, but there is no way to verify whether or not it was submitted to BOP as it does not disclose that information unless an investigation is opened. Martin Greenberg, a former BOP president, said on the Today Show that this incident was not a matter that the law covers or would be concerned about.