Phillip Calvin “Dr. Phil” McGraw is an American television personality, author, and former clinical psychologist best known as the host of the long-running daytime talk show Dr. Phil.

He rose to fame as a recurring expert on The Oprah Winfrey Show in the late 1990s and launched his own syndicated show in 2002.

Dr. Phil Quick Facts Table (2026)

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Phillip Calvin McGraw
Popular Name	Dr. Phil
Date of Birth	September 1, 1950
Age (2025)	75 years
Birthplace	Vinita, Oklahoma, United States
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	White / European-American
State of Origin	Oklahoma (raised mainly in Texas)
Profession	Television Host, Author, Media Producer, Former Clinical Psychologist
Famous For	Hosting The Dr. Phil Show
Education	Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
College	Midwestern State University; North Texas State University
Doctorate	Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology (1979)
Height	Approx. 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m)
Weight	Variable (publicly discussed weight management)
Marital Status	Married
Wife	Robin McGraw (married in 1976)
Previous Marriage	Debbie Higgins McCall (annulled)
Children	2 sons
Children’s Names	Jay McGraw, Jordan McGraw
Father	Joseph J. McGraw Jr.
Mother	Anne Geraldine “Jerry” McGraw
Siblings	Three sisters (Deana, Donna, Brenda)
First Career	Clinical Psychologist
Business Ventures	Peteski Productions, Stage 29, Merit Street Media
TV Show Debut	Dr. Phil (2002)
Show Run	2002 – 2023 (syndicated run)
Books Written	Life Strategies and multiple NYT bestsellers
Known For Style	Direct, accountability-based advice
Net Worth (2025)	$400 million – $460 million (approx.)
Primary Income Sources	TV syndication, producing, books, investments
Residence	Texas (Dallas/Fort Worth) and California
Lifestyle	High-profile, luxury real estate, private travel
Awards	Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame, Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
Hobbies	Flying (licensed pilot), writing, public speaking
Social Media (Instagram)	@drphil
Social Media (X/Twitter)	@DrPhil
Official Website	drphildotcom

What is Dr. Phil’s real/full name?

His full name is Phillip Calvin McGraw (commonly written as Phil McGraw). He is widely known by the professional name Dr. Phil.

What does “Dr.” in Dr. Phil stand for?

The “Dr.” refers to his earned doctorate – Phil McGraw holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology (Doctor of Philosophy). He uses the honorific from that academic credential in his public persona.

When and where was Dr. Phil born?

Dr. Phil was born September 1, 1950, in Vinita, Oklahoma, U.S. He grew up in the oilfields and small towns of Oklahoma and Texas.

Where did Dr. Phil grow up?

He grew up primarily in North Texas and Oklahoma (his family later moved within that region). He attended Shawnee Mission North High School (Overland Park, Kansas) for part of his youth and later moved back to Texas.

What is Dr. Phil’s age (as of 2025)?

Born in 1950, Dr. Phil turned 75 years old in September 2025. (Always compute from birthdate Sept 1, 1950.)

What is Dr. Phil’s height and weight?

Public records and profiles list Dr. Phil’s height at about 6’3″ (≈1.91 m). His weight has varied over the years (he’s publicly discussed weight-loss efforts and written about weight management), and no single verified up-to-the-minute number is publicly confirmed – so cite height as public profile information and describe weight as variable/subject to personal health changes.

What is Dr. Phil’s nationality and ethnicity?

Dr. Phil is American by nationality. Public biographies describe him as white / of European-American background; he was born and raised in the United States.

What is Dr. Phil’s state of origin?

He was born in Oklahoma (Vinita) and spent much of his youth and early adult life in Texas (Wichita Falls area).

Family & Personal Background

Who are Dr. Phil’s parents, and what did they do?

Dr. Phil’s parents are Joseph J. McGraw Jr. and Anne Geraldine “Jerry” (née Stevens) McGraw. His father worked in equipment supply and later pursued psychology. Phil initially followed his father into psychology-related ventures and private practice early in his career.

Does Dr. Phil have siblings, and what is his family background?

He grew up with several siblings (two older sisters, Deana and Donna, and a younger sister, Brenda). The family moved several times; his father’s work in the oilfield/equipment business and later move into psychology shaped the household.

How did Dr. Phil’s upbringing influence his career, and what formative experiences shaped him?

Early sports (football scholarship), working jobs as a teen, and watching/working alongside his father shaped his interest in psychology and performance under pressure. Those early business and self-help ventures (and later trial-consulting work) helped him develop the direct, practical style he uses on television.

Marriage, Relationships & Personal Life

Is Dr. Phil married? Who is Dr. Phil’s wife, and when did they marry?

Yes. Dr. Phil married Robin Jameson (Robin McGraw) in 1976; they remain married. He had an earlier brief marriage (Debbie Higgins McCall, 1970–1973) that ended in annulment.

Does Dr. Phil have children? How many and what are their names?

Dr. Phil and Robin McGraw have two sons:

Jay Phillip McGraw (born Sept 12, 1979) — media executive/producer and the founder/CEO of Stage 29 Productions.
Jordan McGraw (born Oct 21, 1986) — musician/producer.

Both sons have their own careers in the media and remain publicly active.

What is Dr. Phil’s relationship with his family like?

Publicly, Dr. Phil presents a close family relationship: his wife Robin frequently appears with him in public and in joint ventures (books, charity), and his sons have collaborated professionally (production companies, etc.). He’s described as family-focused in interviews and public profiles.

Education & Academic Background

What is Dr. Phil’s educational background?

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology — Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, TX (graduated 1975).
M.A. (experimental psychology) — North Texas State University (now University of North Texas), 1976.
Ph.D. in clinical psychology — North Texas State University (Ph.D. awarded 1979); dissertation titled “Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Psychological Intervention.”

Is Dr. Phil a licensed psychologist?

Dr. Phil earned a doctorate in clinical psychology, but he ceased renewing his Texas psychology license in 2006 and has not maintained an active clinical license in California (where his show tapes).

California’s board determined his TV program is broadly entertainment rather than clinical practice, so a license in California was not required for the show. The lapsed license and the shift from clinical practice to media have been a frequent talking point and criticism.

Has Dr. Phil’s professional status ever been questioned?

Yes — mental-health professionals, journalists, and critics have questioned aspects of his methods, the ethics of televised “therapy,” and the implications of offering advice on camera without ongoing clinical oversight.

The lapsed license (2006) and some episode practices prompted ongoing discussion about the boundary between therapy and entertainment.

Early Career & Professional Beginnings

When did Dr. Phil start his career, and what was his first profession?

After completing his doctorate in the late 1970s, Dr. Phil joined his father’s private practice in Wichita Falls, Texas. In the 1980s–90s, he was involved in self-help seminars (Pathways) and co-founded a trial-consulting firm, Courtroom Sciences, Inc.

(CSI), which provided trial strategy and audience testing services to lawyers (this led to legal consulting work and, later, TV opportunities).

How did Dr. Phil start consulting for legal cases, and how did he meet Oprah Winfrey?

Through CSI, McGraw worked on high-profile cases and did trial “dry runs.” CSI’s work brought him to the attention of Oprah Winfrey, who hired the firm for a legal matter; impressed with his on-camera presence and blunt, solution-oriented style, Oprah invited him onto her show. That exposure directly led to recurring appearances and his later syndicated program.

Breakthrough & Rise to Fame

What was Dr. Phil’s breakthrough moment, and how did he become famous?

His recurring role as a relationship and life-strategy expert on The Oprah Winfrey Show (starting in the late 1990s) was his breakthrough. Oprah’s endorsement and repeated appearances gave him national visibility and led to the launch of his own show (Dr. Phil) in September 2002.

Why did Dr. Phil resonate with mass audiences?

His direct, plain-spoken style, emphasis on accountability and behavior change, practical “life strategies,” and dramatic, human-interest TV storytelling connected with daytime viewers who wanted actionable advice and emotional narratives.

Television Career

What is The Dr. Phil Show about, and how long did it run?

The Dr. Phil Show is a daytime advice program that addresses relationships, addictions, parenting, legal and social conflicts, and personal crises by offering behavioral advice and, at times, organized interventions.

The syndicated show premiered in 2002 and ran for more than two decades (the original daily syndicated run concluded in early 2023, and McGraw later launched new programming and networks such as Dr. Phil Primetime and Merit Street Media in 2024).

How many episodes did Dr. Phil host, and what topics did he commonly address?

Over 20 years, the show produced thousands of episodes covering family conflict, addiction, mental-illness-related crises, fraud/true-crime segments, parenting, weight-loss, and relationship issues. (Exact episode counts vary by source; the show ran for more than 20 seasons.)

What is Dr. Phil’s on-air style, and how has the show evolved?

On-air, he is direct, sometimes confrontational, and focused on practical steps people can take.

The format evolved – early seasons emphasized life-strategy coaching, later seasons included more sensational, “trouble family” and true-crime style episodes, and McGraw expanded into primetime specials and spin-offs (e.g., The Doctors, House Calls with Dr. Phil).

Critics say the evolution tended toward increased spectacle; supporters point to public impact and audience reach.

Professional Philosophy & Style

What is Dr. Phil’s therapeutic approach and communication style?

He frames problems in terms of responsibility, behavior change, and system influences (family dynamics, environment).

His approach is pragmatic and action-oriented rather than exploratory psychotherapy — he often delivers directive advice and clearly stated “steps” to change.

He’s not a traditional in-office psychotherapist in his TV role; his tools are translated into TV-friendly advice and interventions.

What makes Dr. Phil different from traditional therapists?

The mass-media format, focus on public accountability, and a “coaching” shorthand differ from long-term clinical therapy.

He aims for immediate strategies rather than long-term psychotherapeutic processes, which is precisely why many clinicians distinguish his role as media personality/adviser from licensed clinical practice.

Books, Writing & Thought Leadership

What books has Dr. Phil written, and which were bestsellers?

Dr. Phil has authored multiple self-help and relationship books, beginning with Life Strategies (1999) and including titles on relationships, family, and weight loss. Many of his books have been New York Times bestsellers and sold millions of copies worldwide.

What are the main themes of Dr. Phil’s books?

Common themes: personal responsibility, structured life-change plans, parenting strategies, weight-loss and health, and practical steps to improve relationships and behavior.

Business Ventures & Media Empire

What businesses does Dr. Phil own or co-own?

He co-founded Peteski Productions (his production company) and helped co-found Stage 29 (with his son Jay).

In 2024, he launched Merit Street Media, a Fort Worth-based cable/streaming network; later corporate moves and legal/financial troubles (bankruptcy filings and disputes with partners) have been prominent news items. He’s also been involved in publishing, digital content, and production deals.

What role does Dr. Phil play as a producer, and what shows has he produced?

He’s an executive producer on his own program and produced spin-offs, including The Doctors (executive produced), plus other TV projects developed via Stage 29 and Peteski Productions.

Net Worth & Financial Profile

What is Dr. Phil’s net worth in 2026?

Net-worth estimates vary across outlets. As of mid–2025 independent estimates placed Dr. Phil’s net worth in the $400 million–$460 million range.

Popular estimates that media outlets report include ≈ $450 million (2025 estimate) and nearby figures (some outlets list $400M; others list $460M depending on how they count assets and liabilities).

Because net-worth reporting differs by methodology (private investments, company liabilities such as Merit Street’s bankruptcy exposure, real estate, and cash holdings), most reliable public summaries present a range rather than a single precise number.

How did Dr. Phil build his wealth, and how much did he earn per season historically?

His wealth was built from:

Syndicated TV income and his ownership/producer share of Dr. Phil (advertising revenue, licensing, product placement). Historically, he reported nine-figure multi-year deals and annual earnings in the tens of millions (Forbes listed $95M in 2019 and $65.5M in 2020 in its earnings tallies for specific years).
Book sales (many NYT bestsellers).
Production and ownership stakes (Peteski, Stage 29) and other media investments.
Real estate and private investments.

Exact per-season or per-episode pay varied by year and deal structure; historically, his annual earnings frequently ranged in the tens of millions per year in his peak TV years.

Income Sources & Business Model

How Dr. Phil earns money — major income streams

Television hosting and syndication revenue sharing (historic primary income).
Executive producing and creator credits on spin-offs.
Book sales and publishing income.
Speaking engagements and paid appearances.
Business investments and real-estate holdings.
Digital platforms, podcasts, and licensing deals.

He has historically taken large ownership or profit-sharing positions in his shows, which amplified earnings compared with straight salary deals.

Does Dr. Phil earn endorsements and royalties?

Yes — he earns royalties from syndicated content, book royalties, and has had brand deals/product placements tied to his reach. However, public endorsement history is less prominent than revenue from his TV/production ownership and book sales.

What is Dr. Phil’s future earning potential?

That depends on new media ventures (e.g., Merit Street Media and subsequent ventures like Envoy Media), production deals, and residuals from past content. Business setbacks like Merit Street’s bankruptcy have the potential to affect net worth and near-term cash flow, but its brand and library remain valuable.

Lifestyle, Assets & Investments

What kind of lifestyle does Dr. Phil live, and where does he live?

Dr. Phil has lived a high-profile lifestyle with residences in Texas (Dallas/Fort Worth area) and California.

He owns multiple properties and has historically owned substantial real-estate holdings that are regularly profiled in press coverage. His lifestyle includes private-jet travel, philanthropy, and media events.

What real estate and major assets does he own?

Public reporting over the years lists large primary residences and investment properties; specific holdings have changed over time (properties sold or listed), and some holdings were managed through trusts/companies.

For up-to-date property ownership details, consult current real-estate filings or specialized property reporting — outlets have profiled multi-million-dollar properties associated with him.

Public Image, Criticism & Controversies

What controversies has Dr. Phil faced?

Major controversies and criticism include:

Ethical criticism from some mental-health professionals about offering clinical-style advice on TV and the vulnerability of guests.
Lapsed clinical license: his Texas license wasn’t renewed after 2006, and that has been publicized and debated.
Guest-harm allegations / editorial choices: Some episodes and production choices have been questioned by critics and reporters for potential harm to participants.
Business/legal controversies around the launch and collapse/bankruptcy of Merit Street Media (Merit Street sued and was countersued by partners, including Trinity Broadcasting Network, and faced creditor disputes). Several outlets covered its bankruptcy and litigation in 2024–2025.

Has Dr. Phil been criticized by mental-health professionals and faced lawsuits?

Yes — mental-health professionals have often debated the ethics of televised interventions and public advice; in addition, his media ventures have faced civil litigation (e.g., partner disputes and bankruptcy proceedings related to Merit Street Media).

How has Dr. Phil responded to criticism?

He and his team commonly defend the show as a platform that helps people and raises public awareness; in business disputes, legal teams have defended his business actions. Public responses have varied episode to episode and case to case.

Advocacy, Philanthropy & Beliefs

What causes does Dr. Phil support, and is he involved in philanthropy?

Dr. Phil and Robin run or support charitable initiatives (Dr. Phil Foundation and various disaster relief or health-related efforts). He has publicly supported causes tied to addiction recovery awareness, anti-drunk-driving (MADD recognition), and mental-health awareness framed through his media presence.

What are Dr. Phil’s public views on mental health awareness and social issues?

He emphasizes personal responsibility, treatment access, and direct strategies for change. In recent years, he’s also used his platforms to comment on cultural topics and policy-adjacent issues (and in 2024–25, he took more overtly political/cultural stances with the positioning of Merit Street Media).

Media Presence & Influence

How influential is Dr. Phil in popular psychology and daytime television?

Very influential: he popularized a blunt coaching style of advice on daytime TV, influenced how talk shows approach interventions and “life strategy” formats, and created a media ecosystem (books, spin-offs, production company) that shaped daytime programming. He’s a recognizable cultural figure with a significant media footprint.

How is Dr. Phil viewed by younger audiences, and what cultural impact has he had?

Views vary: older daytime audiences often regard him as a trusted adviser; younger audiences are more likely to critique the ethics or entertainment framing of his work. He’s frequently referenced in pop culture and internet memes.

Awards, Honors & Recognition

What awards has Dr. Phil won, and what honors has he received?

Notable honors include induction into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame (2015) and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (February 21, 2020). His show has multiple Emmy nominations and industry awards for certain coverage and public-service impact.

Personal Interests & Fun Facts

What are Dr. Phil’s hobbies and lesser-known facts?

He is a private pilot (instrument rated).
He played college football (linebacker) on scholarship early in life.
He has authored/popularized weight-loss and self-help programs and is a frequent public speaker.

What daily routines or advice does Dr. Phil commonly give?

He emphasizes routine, accountability, environment change, clear personal goals, and small behavior changes leading to big results — common themes across his books and TV segments.

What is Dr. Phil’s legacy and historical impact?

Dr. Phil’s legacy is as one of daytime television’s most influential advisers — he brought psychology-talk to mainstream daytime audiences and built a media and publishing empire from that role.

He will be remembered for changing how personal-help content is delivered on TV, even as debates about ethics and clinical boundaries continue.

Social Media Life — Where to follow

Instagram: @drphil — public profile with roughly ~1M followers (varies over time).
X (Twitter): @DrPhil — public X account with well over one million followers (numbers vary).
Official site: drphil.com — for official content, podcasts, and program information.

Final summary: Dr. Phil Net Worth & 2025 snapshot

Estimated net worth (2025): Approximately $400M–$460M, with reputable outlets clustering near $450M depending on asset valuation and business liabilities.

Recent business issues (Merit Street Media’s bankruptcy litigation and asset disputes in 2024–2025) make precise valuation fluid.

Primary wealth drivers: decades of syndication revenue, ownership/producer stakes, best-selling books, production companies, and real estate/investments. Recent business litigation may affect near-term liquidity and asset values.