[sassafras]

I emailed them about being a family in crisis. I didn't really think anythig would come of it BUT I just got an email back wanting pics and the entire story.

[waited2long]

Personally, I think Dr. Phil is an a$$...

Be very careful that you're not being set up. Many of these talk-shows need people for the audience to boo at. And, you have a child with RAD, right? That is not something most people will understand. Like I said, be careful.

[ca-bigsister]

I would not do it.

[Lylac]

I agree with waited! I've seen him destroy families all for the sake of ratings. And again, most of the world don't understand RAD, and you'll be painted as a bad parent..with a child that just needs more love and understanding. No way! No how!

[sassafras]

I was just thinking that he has sent kids to some of the BEST RTC in the country!

[RavenSong]

If I'm remembering this correctly, Dr. Phil had a show on last year that featured the parents of a RAD child. And he came across very harshly toward the mom. I don't think he really "gets" what RAD is all about.

Personally, I would never go on the Dr. Phil show for any reason. If I'm having problems in my life or family, I would choose to go to a private therapist. It would just hurt too much to have an audience make snap judgments about my situation.

[aspenhall]

I think Dr Phil is only good for a wake up call. I would do it if it were about my mom....but no way would I let it become about me. She might respond to a national wake up call....nothing else would work.

And my dd doesn't have RAD...Dr. Phil show relies on the people being able to tell the whole truth....A RAD child wouldn't do that and would take FULL ADVANTAGE of a national audience.

Unless you had the ability to show hidden videos of life at home.....I say....mmmmmm I wouldn't....

[sassafras]

She is diagnosed bipolar, ODD and he thinks RAD just toward women. I don't have video but I have pics of her bite marks she has left on me, walls she has kicked in, the black eye she gave her brother

[Barksum]

If Dr Phil get's snowed by your Dd you'd be jeered off the stage and probably get hate mail. Additionally you would be opening yourself up to people who really, truly, have no concept of what you've lived and who will NOT be able to see what you have done for your Dd out of love and care for HER in a 20 minute segment on TV. You won't have any say over the editing process or what questions you will/won't answer, etc. I think you'd be opening yourself up to a HUGE risk with only the vaguest possiblity of resolution for your situation.

If you're not getting anywhere looking for an RTC maybe you could talk with your state level reps, or your congressman or senator. If you start letting people who are elected know of the crying needs the people have you may get some info or help. What about your state attorney general, or the insurance oversight dept.?

[marathonmom]

At the end of Dr. Phil's shows he gives info on how to order transcripts of the shows. You can probably find that info on the show's website. I was thinking you could find a couple shows that focus on families similiar to yours and get the transcripts for those shows. You could read how those families were depicted and treated. You could also find out what kind of support he offered them.

On a different note, TV shows get the best ratings for the most shocking shows. I would hate to see you go into this with the best intentions and get used for America's entertainment.

[lucyjoy]

My kids therapist once told me if we ever went on Dr. Phil he'd quit and claim he'd never met us before.

I'd love to tell you to do this because RAD needs the exposure and it would be good if he'd help you with an RTC.

However, I think he'd buy into your daughters crap and slam you hard. He'd blame you and would have no empathy for your level of frustration as he has never lived with a disturbed child.

Try boys and girls town.

[SAHmom]

leca, you know me, I am all about educating others! I haven't watched the Dr. Phil show enough to make a judgement, but have heard negative from others. With that being said, I have also seen your adorable little girl and my call would be no. The risk is too great to go through with the show.

[blueprints]

I would not do it... I know he doesn't get RAD, in fact he has had children with RAD on before and he blamed the mom for not loving the child. It was horrible for the mom and never did they mention the child had RAD, he seemed to have no knowledge of RAD at all.

[Lorraine123]

Dr Phil is a quack. I would NOT do it. My daughter would make me look crazy and Dr Phil would totally buy intot he act.

[Indy]

One word...NO!