The BEST episodes of Dr. Phil season 12
Every episode of Dr. Phil season 12, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Dr. Phil season 12!
Dr. Phil is a talk show hosted by Phil McGraw. After McGraw's success with his segments on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Dr. Phil debuted on September 16, 2002. On both shows McGraw offers advice in the form of "life strategies" from his life experience as a clinical psychologist.
#1 - Dangerous Online Obsession, Part 2
Season 12 - Episode 9 - Aired 9/19/2013
The parents of a 15-year-old girl who appears to have been abducted and killed by a man she met on Facebook come forward to share their heartbreaking story.
Watch Now:Amazon#2 - Outrageous Monster In-Law Khalood is Back, and It's a Big One!
Season 12 - Episode 6 - Aired 9/16/2013
Self-professed monster-in-law Khalood returns with shocking news; her daughter has a heart-to-heart with Dr. Phil.
#3 - Still Missing: Where is 7-Year-Old Kyron?
Season 12 - Episode 7 - Aired 9/17/2013
The parents of a missing child come together to tell Dr. Phil why they believe his stepmother may know more than she is admitting.
#4 - Football Star Accused: Did He Do It?
Season 12 - Episode 4 - Aired 9/12/2013
A teen football star accused of rape and his accuser speak out about how one alcohol-fueled night changed their lives in an instant; his parents insist that their son is innocent and that the girl just wants attention.
#5 - Dangerous Online Obsession
Season 12 - Episode 8 - Aired 9/18/2013
A mother learns the details of her 17-year-old daughter's online and offline activities.
#6 - The Bitter Battle Over Modern Family's Ariel Winter
Season 12 - Episode 10 - Aired 9/20/2013
The mother of teen "Modern Family" star Ariel Winter, who lost custody of the girl amid accusations of physical and verbal abuse, tells her side of the story.
#7 - Football Star Accused: The Alleged Victim Speaks Out
Season 12 - Episode 5 - Aired 9/13/2013
A 16-year-old girl says four classmates raped her while she was intoxicated; one of the accused and his parents react; Leah says her 17-year-old daughter committed suicide after being raped and bullied; Alexis says she was also raped as a teen.
#8 - Family Dramas, Mysteries and Facing the Unknown
Season 12 - Episode 169 - Aired 5/26/2014
Dr. Phil taps into the spiritual world with help from the next generation of psychic mediums, Thomas John and Bill Philipps. When did they first realize they had psychic abilities? And, what messages will they have for guests, viewers, audience members and Dr. Phil staff? Then, recovering addict Kathie says her daughter, Whitney, refuses to forgive her for her past mistakes, and she wants to make amends. Whitney says her mother abandoned the family after Kathie’s mother passed away in 2002, leaving Whitney to fight for — and win — custody of her younger sister.
#9 - Love Scams: Courted by a Catfish?
Season 12 - Episode 3 - Aired 9/11/2013
Dr. Phil sends a private investigator to check up on guests' fiances, whom they have never met in person; a woman flies to Nigeria to confront an online con artist; the man whose identity was stolen to lure former guest Dawn into a fake relationship.
#10 - Saving Loni: From the Suburbs to the Slums
Season 12 - Episode 171 - Aired 6/5/2014
Lynn and Paul say their 20-year-old daughter, Loni, went from a straight-A student to a heroin addict, and they’re desperate to get her help. After two felony arrests — including one for allegedly selling heroin to an undercover officer — Loni spent 30 days in rehab, but they say it wasn’t long before they discovered she was using heroin again — and stealing money and jewelry from family members to pay for it. Now, Lynn and Paul say Loni is living in a trailer with strangers, in the middle of nowhere, and they fear for her life. Dr. Phil sends mother-son intervention team Debbie and Brandon to track down Loni and offer her a chance to face her family and make a plan for a healthier future. Will Loni grab onto the lifeline?
#11 - My Husband Wants Me to Look Like Beyoncé
Season 12 - Episode 120 - Aired 3/11/2014
Marlon says his five-year marriage to his wife, Dedrea, is on the rocks because she has “let herself go,” and he’s ready to leave her if she doesn’t “step it up.” He says that he wants Dedrea to lose 20 pounds, wear more makeup and dress sexier & to look more like his dream woman, Beyoncé — while also cooking, cleaning and caring for their 5-year-old son. Marlon says he puts a lot of effort into his own appearance — which he thinks is “close to perfect” — and he doesn’t understand why his wife doesn’t do the same. Dedrea insists that Marlon’s narcissism is the real problem in their marriage. She says that his many demands for her are unrealistic — and have hurt her self-esteem. Dr. Phil calls on lifestyle and fashion expert Lawrence Zarian, author of the new book Lawrence Zarian’s 10 Commandments for a Perfect Wardrobe, to give Dedrea a look that she can call her own. How will Marlon react? And, can this couple reconnect — and fix their marriage moving forward? Plus, American Idol winner Ruben Studdard is returning to the music scene after competing on NBC’s The Biggest Loser and dropping 120 pounds. He opens up about his struggles with weight — and why he finally made the commitment to get healthy. Plus, Ruben, accompanied by legendary music producer David Foster, performs a single from his new album!
#12 - Animal Obsessed
Season 12 - Episode 125 - Aired 3/25/2014
Frances, 48, says she loves being a good “mother” to her 13 pet rabbits — and does everything that she can to bond with them. She says she dresses her bunnies in matching outfits, reads them bedtime stories — and admits she even tried to breastfeed one of them. Frances’ daughter, Katarina, says her mother’s bunny obsession has gone too far and has taken a toll on their relationship — and Frances’ dating life. What does Dr. Phil think is at the root of Frances’ behavior? And, can she learn to balance a healthy family and social life with her love for her pets? Then, Gary, aka “Boomer the Dog,” says he believes he’s half human and half dog. He says he eats dog food, carries a squeaky toy, sleeps in a dog house and sometimes even wears a sheepdog costume. At 48, Gary admits he’s never had a girlfriend but insists that living the dog’s life makes him happy. Is he hiding behind his canine persona? Plus, Lori says she hates that her 20-year-old daughter, Seanna, spends her time dressing up in an animal costume and going to “furry” conventions. She says she thinks “furries” are “freaks” and “misfits,” and she wants Seanna to go to college and start a career. Seanna insists that “furries” are friendly, welcoming and safe — and says her mother needs to back off. Can Dr. Phil help this mother and daughter reach a compromise?
#13 - An Accused Man Dead: Murder or Suicide?
Season 12 - Episode 124 - Aired 3/24/2014
On August 28, 2013, Traivon “Trai” Asterino, 35, was discovered face down in a field, dead from a gunshot wound to the chest. Trai’s death was ruled a suicide, but his wife, Michelle, says he wouldn’t have killed himself, and she’s accusing his ex-fiancée, Mysti, of murdering him. Michelle says since Trai’s death, Mysti has been slandering Trai’s name by claiming he was a pedophile -- an allegation Michelle says she refuses to believe. Mysti denies any involvement in Trai’s death and says the day before it happened, her 13-year old daughter revealed that Trai had been molesting her for years. Since then, she says her 9-year-old daughter -- Trai’s biological child -- has made the same claim. She says she believes Trai was consumed with guilt and took his own life. Dr. Phil sorts through the details and accusations in search of answers. Did guilt drive Trai to commit suicide, or was he murdered? Then, hear from Trai’s mother, Leonna, who makes a shocking revelation about her son’s past. What does she believe happened to Trai? Plus, Dr. Phil meets with Mysti’s daughters backstage for a very candid conversation -- and then has some strong words for both Mysti and Michelle. Can they put the mudslinging aside and focus on the welfare of the children?
#14 - My Head-Butting, Punching, Kicking, Bruising, Biting, Knife-Wielding 8-Year-Old
Season 12 - Episode 122 - Aired 3/13/2014
Dawn says she has become increasingly afraid of her 8-year-old son, Gaje, who she says is out of control — and has threatened to kill her multiple times. She says Gaje flies into rages where he swears, hits, kicks, spits and throws things — once even punching her in the stomach while she was pregnant. Dawn also says Gaje has become violent at school, where he head-butted a teacher and broke her nose. Dr. Phil has some tough questions for Dawn, and Gaje’s father, Lee, who admit they had a volatile relationship before their divorce, when Gaje was 3. How may have those early experiences affected their son? Plus, Gaje’s stepfather, Mike, admits he spanks Gaje to discipline him, because nothing else seems to work — but is that the best approach? Then, Dr. Phil sits down with Gaje for a revealing one-on-one talk. What does he think is at the root of the boy’s anger? And, how can the family help Gaje get back on track? Then, Crystal suffers from Fibromyalgia and says the chronic pain and fatigue are taking a toll on her — and her marriage. Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall, Chief Medical Officer of Pfizer, shares important information about managing the disease. Will Crystal finally find some relief?
#15 - I Think My Daughter-in-Law Poisoned My Son to Death
Season 12 - Episode 121 - Aired 3/12/2014
In July 2012, Lorrie’s 36-year-old son, Aaron, was found dead on his couch — and she claims her daughter-in-law, Fawn, murdered him by giving him a marijuana cigarette laced with a poisonous herb. Lorrie says the couple was separated, and she believes Fawn wanted to collect Aaron’s life insurance before the divorce was finalized. Fawn says although her marriage to Aaron was on the rocks, she had nothing to do with her husband’s death. What does she say happened that night? And, how does she explain moving on with a new man, weeks after Aaron’s death? Plus, hear the coroner’s autopsy report — was anything suspicious found? Emotions run high when Fawn and Lorrie face each other on Dr. Phil’s stage. How does Fawn answer to Lorrie’s allegation that she once threatened to kill Aaron? And, why did Aaron file a protective order against Fawn one month before his death? Dr. Phil sorts through the details and enlists the help of a toxicologist to provide some answers. Could Aaron have been poisoned to death?
#16 - Best Friend Killers: What Happened to Skylar Neese?
Season 12 - Episode 119 - Aired 3/10/2014
On July 6, 2012, 16-year-old Skylar Neese was stabbed to death by her two best friends, Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf. Six months later, Rachel confessed to police and led them to Skylar’s remains. Sheilia continued to plead not guilty -- until January 2014, when she finally admitted her part in the brutal murder. Both teens claimed they killed Skylar because they “didn’t want to be friends with her anymore” -- but was that their real motive? And, who was the mastermind behind the plot? Dr. Phil sits down with Sklylar’s parents, Dave and Mary, who say they’re struggling to comprehend what happened to their little girl. How can they heal after such a horrific tragedy? And, how could Shelia -- who had been friends with Skylar since she was 8 -- and Rachel commit such a heinous crime? Hear from Shelia’s cousin, who says Shelia isn’t the monster that people say she is. And, friends of Rachel’s family weigh in. Were there any red flags they say they missed? Then, a close friend of Shelia and Skylar claims she knows the real reason behind the murder. Does Skylar’s journal entry confirm her suspicions?
#17 - The Fight Over Justina: Medical Child Abuse by Parents or Abuse of Power by a Hospital?
Season 12 - Episode 123 - Aired 3/17/2014
A couple battle the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the custody of their teen daughter, who they say has been held against her will by a hospital in a dispute about her diagnosis and treatment; a cancer survivor and a sun worshiper need help.
#18 - Ultimate Betrayal: Forced to Kill His Father
Season 12 - Episode 118 - Aired 3/6/2014
Twenty-one-year-old Corey was only 10 when he walked into his sleeping father’s room and killed him with a single gunshot to the head. He claims he was manipulated into committing the unthinkable act by his stepmother, Judith, after allegedly suffering years of horrific mental and physical abuse at her hands. Corey says he told police the shooting was accidental — and kept the secret for nine years, before finally confiding in teachers. Judith is now serving a life sentence for aggravated murder, child endangerment and insurance fraud. However, Corey says there’s another person he blames for his father’s death — his birth mother, Wendy, who signed away her parental rights when he was 8. Did she put Corey in harm’s way? Wendy insists that she thought she was giving Corey a stable home — and had no idea about the abuse he says he suffered. But were there warning signs she may have missed? Can Dr. Phil help this mother and son heal the wounds of the past and rebuild their relationship? Plus, Michelle says her sister, Tashena’s, phone call to Child Protective Services caused her to lose custody of her 6-month-old daughter, who has special medical needs. Tashena denies contacting CPS — and says Michelle’s irresponsible parenting, including missing several doctor’s appointments, is to blame. Is Michelle really ready to be a mother? What does Dr. Phil say she must do if she wants her daughter back?
#19 - Party Mom: Did She Put Her Children in Danger?
Season 12 - Episode 117 - Aired 3/5/2014
Twenty-three-year-old Mercedes says that her 38-year-old mother, Sueann, has been partying and drinking several days a week for the past 18 years — forcing her to become a mother figure to her four younger siblings. She says that when she was a child, her mother often returned home intoxicated and initiated arguments — if she came home at all — and even took her to a bar when she was 15. Mercedes says despite an alcohol-related arrest and a mandatory rehab stint, her mother continues to drink excessively, and she’s at her wits’ end. Sueann admits that she goes out partying every week, and sometimes drinks until she blacks out, but insists she has always been a good mother. So, how does she explain losing custody of her 13-year-old son? Plus, hear from Sueann’s 15-year-old daughter, Destiny, who got pregnant at just 12 years old. Why does she say she blames her mother? Can Dr. Phil help Sueann realize the damage her choices are causing her family? And, is she willing to stop the drinking and partying — and be a mom?
#20 - Restraining Orders, Alleged Kidnappings and Hit with a Car: A Marriage of Accusations
Season 12 - Episode 116 - Aired 3/4/2014
Eric says his two-year marriage to his now-estranged wife, Melissa, has been like “living a nightmare.” He claims Melissa has grown so violent during their fights that the police have been called to their home at least eight times. He also says she once hit him with his car — an incident he caught on video. Melissa completely disagrees and says Eric is to blame and needs to take responsibility for his actions. She claims he has raped, kidnapped and abused her — which he vehemently denies. When it comes time to sit down with Dr. Phil, why is she a no-show? Then, hear from Eric’s 20-year-old son, Nico — whom does he blame for the turmoil? When Dr. Phil sorts through the allegations against Eric, including six restraining orders from past relationships, will he take ownership of the situation? And, can this marriage be saved?
#21 - My Dad Abandoned Me, and My Mom Threw Me in a Shelter
Season 12 - Episode 135 - Aired 4/11/2014
Diane says her 17-year-old daughter, Brianna, is an out-of-control drug abuser who has run away from home at least five times and does not respect authority. She says she recently forced Brianna into a youth shelter, hoping it would scare the teen straight, but nothing has changed — and she fears for her daughter’s life. Diane also claims her ex-husband, Michael, abandoned Brianna after their divorce — and she feels that contributed to the teen’s downward spiral. How does Michael respond? And, what ownership does Diane take in the situation? Brianna says her mother is overreacting and insists she’s just living the partying lifestyle by using Xanax, Molly, marijuana, PCP, heroin and alcohol. But is there something deeper at play? Emotions run high when the family comes together on Dr. Phil’s stage — and an unexpected moment happens. Will Brianna realize the dangers she’s facing and get the help she needs?
#22 - I'm Worried My Daughter May Turn into a Terrorist
Season 12 - Episode 115 - Aired 3/3/2014
Darlene says she’s been estranged from her 27-year-old daughter, Abby, for more than a year, because she doesn’t approve of Abby converting from Southern Baptist to Islam. Darlene says that she believes Abby is being “brainwashed” by her Muslim friends — and fears that her daughter may even “turn into a terrorist.” Abby insists that her mother has taken a narrow and uninformed view about her new faith. She says that she was heading down a dangerous path of drinking and promiscuity — and becoming a Muslim helped her get her life back on track. Abby adds that her plan is to move to Saudi Arabia and never look back, whether Darlene likes it or not. Is she really ready to leave her family and her life behind? Can Dr. Phil help this mother and daughter reconnect — and move forward with acceptance for one another? Then, Maddy was the only minority jury member in the high-profile George Zimmerman case. Hear what she says really happened in the deliberation room — and shares her feelings about the not guilty verdict. Does she think justice was served? Plus, Lisa Bloom, author of the new book Suspicion Nation, shares her insight on the trial. Why does she believe that critical evidence may have been overlooked?
#23 - Sexual Standoffs
Season 12 - Episode 126 - Aired 3/26/2014
Dr. Phil offers to arrange professional help for Ryan and Skyla, and they accept. Reagan says his wife of two years, Sara, refuses to have sex with him, and the lack of attention has forced him to turn to gambling and other women “for an adrenaline rush.” He admits that he’s cheated twice, including a recent “sexting” affair with a woman, which prompted Sara to take their two kids and move out. Hear the shocking way she says she discovered the racy texts. Sara says she wants to fix their relationship, but she needs Reagan to stop acting like an impulsive teenager — and work harder to meet her emotional needs. Dr. Phil reviews the couple’s history, which includes allegations of physical abuse on both sides, as well as numerous break-ups and make-ups. Is this marriage worth saving? And, when Sara makes a confession of her own, will Reagan still want to reconcile? Then after only a year of marriage, Skyla and Ryan say they are at a sexual standoff that has pushed them to the brink of divorce. Skyla says Ryan acts like a child when she says “no” to sex — throwing tantrums that include yelling, slamming doors and punching walls. Ryan says their sex life has gone from very active to almost nonexistent, and he admits his frustration has pushed him to the edge. Can Dr. Phil help Ryan learn to control his temper — and help these newlyweds rekindle their relationship?
#24 - I Fear My Daughter Will Be Kidnapped and Forced into Sex Trafficking
Season 12 - Episode 127 - Aired 3/31/2014
Fifty-year-old Dee says that at 17, she was drugged, kidnapped and forced to work in a brothel for three months — and she fears her 20-year-old daughter, Lacey, may be headed toward the same fate. She says Lacey moved out of the house at 15, has been in abusive relationships, got pregnant for the first time at 16 and is addicted to marijuana and prescription pills — a habit Lacey supports by erotic dancing. She also says Lacey has anger issues and often lashes out at family members. What does she say started her daughter’s downward spiral? And, does Dee take any ownership in the situation? Lacey’s older sister, Devin, calls Lacey a “ticking time bomb” and says her lifestyle is putting a strain on the whole family. Who does she say she blames for her sister’s behavior? Lacey says she feels betrayed and misunderstood by her family and claims she’ll never make the same mistakes as her mother, because she’s smarter. Still, she admits she abuses drugs and needs help getting her life back on track. Dr. Phil digs into Lacey’s past and uncovers a source of pain. Will she grab onto the lifeline he offers and put an end to her self-destructive behavior?
#25 - Wedding Day Disaster: A Family Torn Apart
Season 12 - Episode 128 - Aired 4/1/2014
It was supposed to be the happiest day of her life, but last June, Lisa says her “fairytale” wedding turned into a total nightmare that has torn her family apart. Lisa and her Uncle Bill — who she says was like a father to her and even walked her down the aisle — were trying to break up a fight at the reception, when they were run over by a minivan. Bill sustained serious injuries, and is now partially paralyzed. Since the wedding, Lisa admits that her relationship with her family, and with Bill especially, has been strained — and says she just wants everyone to stop talking about the accident. Bill and his wife, Nelly, say they feel like Lisa has turned her back on them, adding insult to injury. Lisa’s grandmother, Theresa, agrees, and says she thinks Lisa only cares about her new life with her husband. Emotions run high when the family sits down together on Dr. Phil’s stage. What is the real reason Lisa is avoiding Bill? Then, Bill’s daughter, Dixie, says she is worried that her dad won’t be able to walk her down the aisle one day, and she blames Lisa. Why does she claim Lisa escalated the situation that day? Can Dr. Phil help this family heal? Then, Sarah Jakes, daughter of Bishop T.D. Jakes and author of the new book Lost & Found, opens up about her personal struggles — including getting pregnant at 13. How was she able to get her life back on track? And, what is the one message she says she would give to her younger self?