The BEST episodes of Dr. Phil season 13
Every episode of Dr. Phil season 13, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Dr. Phil season 13!
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 - A Family Divided over an Unsolved Murder
Season 13 - Episode 95 - Aired 2/2/2015
In August 2009, Penny’s 40-year-old sister, Shannon, a successful businesswoman, was found dead in her car, at the bottom of a cliff, in what authorities initially believed was a tragic accident but later ruled a homicide — a case that remains unsolved. Emotions run high when Penny faces her father, Ted, for the first time in two years and drops a bombshell: She believes he hired a hitman to kill Shannon. Ted admits his relationship with Shannon was strained at the time, but he vehemently denies he had anything to do with her death. How will Ted react to Penny’s accusation? Tune in to watch the drama unfold as this father and daughter angrily level charges against each other — can Penny and Ted find a way to repair their relationship, or have the accusations gone too far?
#2 - “Dr. Phil, Save My Family”
Season 13 - Episode 78 - Aired 1/8/2015
Allen and Cheryl say their 9-year-old son, Steve, is terrorizing their family. They say he has threatened to harm his siblings multiple times, tells his teachers that he wants to blow up his family’s home and shows no empathy for others or remorse for his bad behavior. They say Steve has been diagnosed with 18 mental illnesses and has been placed in three mental hospitals in the last year alone, but nothing seems to help for long. The parents turn to Dr. Phil for answers. What’s at the root of Steve’s bad behavior? Cheryl’s mother and two sisters say they believe the boy is overmedicated and under-parented -- and they say Cheryl’s blog about her parenting challenges is also a cause for concern. How does Cheryl respond? Then, Dr. Phil sits down with Steve for a one-on-one conversation. Does he see room for change? And, world-renowned child clinical psychologist Dr. Alan Kazdin shares a suggested plan for changing behavior in the child -- and the parents. How can Allen and Cheryl regain a peaceful, healthy family?
#3 - Did Walt Kill His Ex-Girlfriend? The Polygraph Test Results Revealed!
Season 13 - Episode 1 - Aired 9/8/2014
A teen's ex-boyfriend and sister accused each other of being involved in her death.
#4 - Cyberbullied After My Son's Death
Season 13 - Episode 59 - Aired 11/28/2014
A bereaved mother claims she's being harassed by her friend, online. Later, a woman claims her daughter took her life, after being bullied on the Internet by a stranger.
#5 - Yes, I Abandoned My Children, but I’m Not a Bad Mom
Season 13 - Episode 84 - Aired 1/16/2015
Jamie says his longtime girlfriend, Akealia, was an abusive and irresponsible mom who abandoned him and their five children more than two years ago to start a new life with a man she had known for only a few days — and has seen the kids only twice since. Akealia admits to smacking her children in the face and calling them names but denies being abusive and says she thought they were better off living with Jamie. Tensions run high when Dr. Phil brings the exes together for the first time in more than two years. Why hasn’t Akealia seen her children all this time? Does she want a relationship with them? Plus, hear from Akealia’s sister, Josephine, who says Jamie isn’t innocent in the situation. Why does she blame Jamie for causing Akealia to leave? Plus, Jamie and Akealia both say their 12-year-old daughter’s behavior has gotten out of control to the point where she’s a threat to her siblings. Can these parents put their differences aside and work toward getting their family back on track?
#6 - 300 Women and Counting: “My Brother is Addicted to Everything, and It's All My Mom's Fault”
Season 13 - Episode 79 - Aired 1/9/2015
Ashley says she is desperate to get help for her older brother, Justin, 32, who she says is addicted to everything — including sex, alcohol and pain pills. Justin admits he has slept with at least 300 women and struggles with substance abuse, but he blames his mother, Laura, for his problems — which he claims stem from his rocky childhood. Laura admits she wasn’t the best mother to Justin, whom she had when she was only 18, at times prioritizing men and partying over parenting. She also says she has a history of being involved in abusive relationships, which her children witnessed. Still, she thinks Justin needs to get over the past and stop making excuses for his own bad behavior. Dr. Phil sits down with the family in search of a resolution — and has some tough questions for everyone involved. Is there a family legacy that needs to be broken? Will Laura finally accept the role she plays in Justin’s struggles? And, can Justin — who is now a parent himself — commit to getting clean and getting his life back on track?
#7 - Pretty, Young and Violent
Season 13 - Episode 81 - Aired 1/13/2015
In part one of a special two-part series, meet seven teenage girls who say they have either been victims of bullying or have been bullies themselves. One girl says she was punched in the face by a classmate; another was accused of sending harassing text messages to a former friend, who eventually took her own life; and another says she is just too pretty for other girls to like her. The teens, who have never met, and their mothers head to The Dr. Phil House for a special retreat. But before the activities can even begin, the drama kicks into high gear when a group exercise goes awry! Plus, Dr. Phil sits down with the girls. How do the alleged bullies of the group explain their behavior? And, will they have a change of heart? Plus, don’t miss part 2 tomorrow!
#8 - Why is My Mom Faking Cancer?
Season 13 - Episode 82 - Aired 1/14/2015
Jessica says her mother, Patricia, claims she is defying the odds by becoming a record-setting weight lifter while simultaneously battling Stage 3 brain cancer. But Jessica insists her mother isn’t sick at all and that she is lying about her health to gain sympathy and attention. She says Patricia has been spinning stories about various medical ailments for as long as she can remember — and it’s time to come clean. Patricia strongly denies her daughter’s accusations and insists her diagnosis and incredible survival story are real. Why does she claim Jessica is out to get her? Emotions run high when mother and daughter meet on Dr. Phil’s stage. Do Patricia’s claims hold up? And, can this mother and daughter repair their fractured relationship?
#9 - 15 and a Teenage Terror
Season 13 - Episode 85 - Aired 1/19/2015
Vicki says she is desperate for help for her out-of-control 15-year-old daughter, Josie. She says her daughter has been kicked out of school, steals, drinks, uses drugs, has been caught sneaking boys into her bedroom and is facing battery and runaway charges. Josie admits she doesn’t like being told no but says, “Every teenager makes mistakes.” Dr. Phil has some tough questions for Vicki. Is this a case of a bad teen, bad parenting or something else? And, Dr. Phil talks to Josie about how her choices now could affect her future. Will she be inspired to make some positive changes?
#10 - “My Ex is Evil; I Want to See My Kids”
Season 13 - Episode 108 - Aired 2/19/2015
Brad says he is deadlocked in a bitter custody battle with his ex, Kimberly, who he says is abusive and manipulative and is brainwashing their three children against him. He claims Kimberly hasn't let him see their children in seven months and says the stress of the custody clash -- involving courts, cops and child support -- has taken a serious toll on his health. Kimberly says Brad is an unstable, irresponsible “deadbeat loser,” and until he cleans up his act, she can’t allow him to see their kids. She claims Brad smokes pot around the children, has sent a hurtful text to their oldest daughter and does not like Brad’s new wife being her children’s step-mother. Tensions boil over when Brad and Kimberly’s mothers join the conversation. Is there any chance of these two putting aside their differences and learning to peacefully co-parent? Don’t miss Dr. Phil’s words of warning for this family -- and anyone involved in a custody battle.
#11 - Exclusive: The Vanderbilt Football Player’s Interview from behind Bars
Season 13 - Episode 100 - Aired 2/9/2015
It’s a shocking story that is making headlines across the nation: Two former Vanderbilt University football players recently were found guilty of raping an unconscious female classmate in a campus dorm room in June 2013 after a night of drinking. It took a jury just three hours to convict Cory Batey and Brandon Vandenburg, both 21, on charges that included aggravated rape and sexual battery in connection with the incident — which prosecutors say was proved by cellphone photos and video. In an exclusive interview, Dr. Phil sits down with Cory, who is behind bars awaiting sentencing and facing up to 145 years in prison. What does he remember about that night? And what, if anything, would he do differently? Cory and several of his former teammates — including two who are currently awaiting trial — are accused of trying cover up the incident in the days that followed. How does Cory explain his actions? And, why does he believe he deserves a second chance? Plus, what message does he have for the victim?This program contains sexual content. Viewer discretion advised.
#12 - 1,000 Lies and Counting: A Husband Who Can't Tell the Truth
Season 13 - Episode 126 - Aired 3/30/2015
Melisa claims her estranged husband, Chris, is a pathological liar who lies about anything and everything — from small things, like what he had for lunch, to more elaborate lies, like posing as an airline pilot making $500,000 a year so he could view a luxury home. She says during their five years together, Chris has also struggled to hold a job, and she claims he has resorted to stealing money from her. Melisa and Chris are currently separated, but with a young child and another baby on the way, Melisa says she’s desperate to make things work. Chris admits he has a problem with telling the truth and insists he wants to change — but is that just another lie? Dr. Phil sits down with Melisa and Chris in search of a resolution. What’s at the root of Chris’ behavior? Meet Chris’ father, Steve, who says his son has been lying since he was a child. Has Steve been enabling his son’s behavior? And, should Melisa and Chris work on their relationship or call it quits?
#13 - Lifetime Grudge: Can Mother and Daughter Finally Bury the Hatchet?
Season 13 - Episode 125 - Aired 3/24/2015
Amber, 24, says her mother, Julie, failed her as a parent, and she wants an apology for what she claims were years of verbal, emotional and physical abuse. Amber claims that when she was between the ages of 7 and 14, her mother slapped her, punched her and threw items at her several times a week. Julie completely denies ever laying a hand on her daughter, except in self-defense, and says she doesn’t understand why Amber recently cut her out of her life. She says Amber has always been dramatic, and she claims their problems started when Amber falsely accused her father of the unthinkable. Dr. Phil brings Amber and her mother together in hopes of a resolution. Is there a chance at fostering a peace? Plus, don’t miss an update on guests Candi and Lyndsey, who started Dr. Phil’s 20/20 diet two months ago. How are they now?
#14 - Young, Beautiful and Missing/“Homeless Joe” Returns
Season 13 - Episode 124 - Aired 3/23/2015
Dr. Phil explores potential new clues in the cold cases of two missing women. First, 14-year-old Ashley Summers vanished in 2007 — just blocks away from Ariel Castro’s Cleveland “House of Horrors” — and aside from a brief phone call to her mother in 2008, she hasn’t been heard from since. Ashley’s mother, Jennifer, and step-grandmother, Linda, join Dr. Phil in search of answers. Could a newly-released FBI photo prove that Ashley is alive and well? Two facial recognition experts analyze the photo — what do they conclude? Then, in November 2011, Michelle Parker disappeared without a trace after dropping off her 3-year-old twins at the home of their father — the same day the bitter exes appeared together in an episode of People’s Court. Michelle’s father, Brad, says he believes Michelle’s ex had something to do with her disappearance — which her ex absolutely denies, despite having been named early in the investigation as the primary suspect. What happened to Michelle? Plus, when Dr. Phil last checked up on “Homeless Joe”, he was missing in action after abruptly leaving rehab in Texas. After being tracked down, Joe returns to Dr. Phil — how is he doing now?
#15 - Nine Seconds that Outraged a Nation/“My Racist Father Needs to Accept the Minorities in My Family”
Season 13 - Episode 123 - Aired 3/17/2015
In a 9-second video that quickly went viral, party-bound students from the University of Oklahoma’s Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity chapter were seen on a bus clapping, pumping their fists and laughing as they sang a racist chant. The video sparked outrage and reignited debate across the nation about issues of race. Dr. Phil sits down with two black students from the university — how do they feel about the video? And, what is the sentiment on campus about what happened? Plus, hear from La Salle University professor Dr. Charles Gallagher, a researcher in the field of racial and social inequality — what can we learn from this shocking incident? Then, Peyton says she knows about racism first hand, because her father, David, is an Imperial Wizard of the White Knights of the KKK. But Peyton says she has different beliefs — and she now has a biracial child, whom she desperately wants her father to accept. Dr. Phil has some tough questions for David, who defends his beliefs and insists he lives by “God’s law.” Is he twisting scripture for his own hatred? Is there any hope of salvaging this father-daughter relationship, or should Peyton cut ties for good?
#16 - Inside the Mind of the Man Who Shot the “American Sniper”: A Dr. Phil Exclusive
Season 13 - Episode 122 - Aired 3/16/2015
Last month, a jury convicted 27-year-old Marine Corps veteran Eddie Ray Routh in the shooting deaths of former U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle — the inspiration behind the movie American Sniper — and Kyle’s friend, Chad Littlefield, at a Texas shooting range in 2013. Routh admitted to killing the men, but his lawyers argued that he suffered from severe mental problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), after returning home from service — and even received psychiatric treatment a week before the shootings. In an exclusive interview, Routh’s parents, Jodi and Raymond, open up to Dr. Phil about their son. What was he like as a child? And, when do they say they noticed a change in his behavior? Jodi admits she reached out to Chris, who volunteered to work with veterans suffering from PTSD, and asked him to help her son. Does she have any regrets? Plus, hear from Routh’s sister, Laura, who says she was the first person her brother confessed to on that fateful day. Did she ever suspect he was capable of such a horrific act?
#17 - Exclusive: Bobbi Kristina’s Boyfriend, Distraught and Out of Control: The Nick Gordon Intervention
Season 13 - Episode 121 - Aired 3/11/2015
In a national television exclusive, Dr. Phil conducts an emotionally-charged intervention with 25-year-old Nick Gordon, boyfriend of Bobbi Kristina Brown, the 22-year-old daughter of singer Bobby Brown and the late Whitney Houston. With his mother, Michelle, at his side, Nick expresses to Dr. Phil the mental anguish he says he has been suffering since Bobbi Kristina was found unresponsive in a bathtub in January, as well as from the tragic loss of Whitney Houston three years ago. Why does he say he has not been able to visit Bobbi Kristina, who remains on life support in an Atlanta hospital? And, why does he blame himself for not being able to save Bobbi Kristina or Whitney? Michelle says she fears for her son’s life, as he battles drug and alcohol addiction and has become increasingly self-destructive. Will Nick accept Dr. Phil’s offer of help?
#18 - “Our 7-Year-Old Son Threatens to Kill Us!”
Season 13 - Episode 120 - Aired 3/10/2015
Kim and her ex-husband, Ryan, say they’re terrified of their 7-year-old son, Rylan, whom they adopted when he was an infant. They say Rylan has a fascination with knives, talks to an imaginary friend named “Bleeder” — who tells him to kill his entire family — and has even sent two teachers to the hospital. Desperate for help, the parents turn to Dr. Phil. What might be causing Rylan’s aggressive behavior? Could information about their son’s birth parents provide some clarity? Plus, Dr. Phil reviews home video of Rylan’s interactions with his parents and the police. Is he as dangerous as his parents fear?
#19 - In Sickness and in Health: “Should I Get a Divorce from My OCD Wife?”
Season 13 - Episode 119 - Aired 3/9/2015
Brian says when he married his wife, Laura, and vowed to stay with her “in sickness and in health,” he never expected 10 years later to be married to her OCD, too. Now, he says his wife’s condition is taking a huge toll on their relationship and family, to the point he’s considering divorce. Brian says Laura’s compulsions began six years ago, after the birth of their second child, and have become all-consuming — she even sleeps with a mask on and won’t let Brian touch her, for fear of contamination. Brian says he loves Laura, but he feels frustrated and alone, and he also worries about the effect her disorder is having on their children. Laura says she has a list of 91 different fears and rituals, which have turned her life upside down. She worries she is losing her family but says she doesn’t know what to do. Dr. Phil sits down with the couple in search of a way forward. What is driving Laura’s compulsions? Plus, Laura says her parents have no idea how bad her OCD has become — how will they react when they learn the truth? How can Laura manage her OCD and reclaim her life?
#20 - “My Daughter Hasn't Spoken to Me in 7 Years: What's Wrong with Her?”
Season 13 - Episode 118 - Aired 3/5/2015
Peggy says she has no clue why her daughter, Jen, hasn't spoken to her in 7 years, and she thinks Jen owes her an apology. But Jen insists it’s Peggy who should be apologizing — for what Jen describes as decades of pain, drama and lies. Emotions run high when this mother and daughter face each other. Can they heal the wounds of the past and move forward? Plus, another woman says she gets dirty looks whenever she parks in a handicapped spot, but she says she's legitimately handicapped! Pfizer's Chief Medical Officer, Freda Lewis-Hall, M.D., joins Dr. Phil to talk about rheumatoid arthritis, a serious autoimmune disease.
#21 - “Keep My Ex-Daughter-in-Law Away From My Family”
Season 13 - Episode 136 - Aired 4/14/2015
Thelma says her ex-daughter-in-law, Kim, was horrible to her son, Kenny, during their 16-year marriage and was a terrible mother to their six children. She accuses Kim of having had multiple affairs, used drugs and abandoned her family for months at a time. Thelma says that after Kenny finally divorced Kim three years ago, he suffered serious emotional difficulties, and Thelma stepped in and gained custody of her grandchildren, because she claims Kim wouldn’t step up. Thelma says Kenny still talks to Kim every day and gives her money — and Thelma has had it with what she calls watching Kim take advantage. Is Kim manipulating Kenny for money? Kenny admits he enables his ex-wife but says he just wants her to clean up her life and repair her relationship with their children. Kim admits she has battled addiction and was not the best wife but says she would “walk through fire for her children.” She says Thelma is “evil” and needs to stop bashing her to her kids. Dr. Phil intervenes in this family feud — can they stop the mudslinging and learn to peacefully co-parent? Then, Kim and Kenny’s two grown children speak out. Do they say they want a relationship with their mother?
#22 - Adoption Nightmare: “I Want My Baby Back”
Season 13 - Episode 117 - Aired 3/4/2015
Kristen, 22, says two years ago, she feels that she was manipulated into placing her newborn for adoption with her ex-stepfather, Adam, and his new wife, Stacy, who took her in while she was pregnant. Kristen says the two promised her she could be involved in the child’s life but claims they kicked her to the curb a week after her daughter was born, and she hasn’t seen the child since. She calls Stacy “evil” and “psycho crazy” — and even says she could have been drugged, because she says she has no recollection of signing the adoption papers. Adam and Stacy deny Kristen’s accusations and say she was in no way ready to care for a child — which is why they stepped up. They are adamant they followed the letter of the law and communicated openly with Kristen. Emotions run high when Dr. Phil brings everyone together in search of answers and a resolution to this adoption drama. Are Adam and Stacy freezing Kristen out? Has she given them reason to? And, is there any hope of fostering a peace moving forward? Plus, Kristen is now pregnant again — what are her plans for this baby?
#23 - Help! My Daughter is Addicted to Dangerous Men
Season 13 - Episode 127 - Aired 3/31/2015
Rhonda says she fears her 18-year-old daughter, Jade, is putting herself in harm’s way by pursuing dangerous men, including a recent relationship with a man in prison! Rhonda says she’ll do anything to keep Jade safe, including turning off her cell phone at night, restricting her Internet access and even blocking certain TV channels -- measures Jade calls “psycho.” Dr. Phil sits down with mother and daughter. Is Rhonda being too controlling, or does she have reason for concern? Then, Vickey says the night her ex allegedly attacked and shot her in the face was a night she had been planning for -- by hiding seven guns throughout their house for protection. Hear her shocking story and why she says she believes her ex might know information about the disappearance of a missing pregnant woman. Then, watch as Robin McGraw -- along with her foundation, When Georgia Smiled, and The Home Depot -- provides a local shelter for women and children with a deserving surprise! And, teachers and students share with Robin how The Aspire Initiative opened their eyes about abuse. Plus, go along with Robin as she is invited to speak at Miami Dade College in honor of Women’s History Month!
#24 - “Falsely Accused of Murder and Now My Life is Spiraling out of Control”
Season 13 - Episode 128 - Aired 4/1/2015
Kezia says she is desperate to get help for her 27-year-old daughter, Derica, who she says has spiraled out of control since witnessing her best friend’s murder a year and a half ago — and then being wrongly accused of the crime. Derica says even though the charges were dropped, she has struggled to cope with the backlash in her hometown, and she admits she turned to drugs to escape reality. But now, Derica says she has been clean for five weeks — since learning she is pregnant, although she admits she still smokes cigarettes. Emotions run high when Dr. Phil sits down with Derica, Kezia, and Derica’s younger sister, Tristin. Can Derica find a way to get her life back on track? Tristin says Derica’s dangerous behavior started long before the murder and claims their mother is a big part of the problem — is she enabling Derica? Dr. Phil has some tough questions for Kezia — and a sobering wake-up call for Derica about the effects smoking can have on an unborn child. Will it make an impact and help her stay clean? Can this family come together to help Derica heal and move forward?
#25 - Flirty Emails and Suspicious Photos: “Is My Husband a Cheater or Just a Charmer?”
Season 13 - Episode 129 - Aired 4/2/2015
Sarah says she is convinced her husband of 20 years, Ed, is a liar and a cheater, and she has spent years gathering “evidence” to try to prove that he has been physically unfaithful. Ed admits he has flirted and sexted with other woman and that he had an emotional affair with a co-worker, which he continued even after promising to end things. But he insists the relationship never became physical, and it’s in the past. Will Sarah ever be able to trust Ed, and should she? Dr. Phil sits down with the couple in search of answers and a resolution. Sarah says she believes Ed is a sex addict, and a counselor even diagnosed him as such — is that possible? Plus, one thing Ed and Sarah agree on is that their marital dysfunction is hurting their two teenage sons. Hear from their 18-year-old son — what does he say about the situation? Sarah says she has started the divorce process but isn’t quite ready to pull the trigger. Can this marriage be saved, or is it time to walk away?