If you've ever watched Dr. Phil tackle life's hardest problems on television, you know he doesn't shy away from the truth. Now, he's turning his attention to one of the most common — and most stressful — problems Americans face: debt. Solo is proud to announce our official partnership with Dr. Phil McGraw to help people across the country find real, lasting debt resolution.

"When you're facing debt, it can feel like you're drowning. Solo turns your debt nightmare into a resolution with a few simple clicks." — Dr. Phil McGraw

Visit the Solo x Dr. Phil page to get started — and use code DRPHIL15 for 15% off all Solo fees.

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What Is Dr. Phil Doing Now?

Many people searching "what is Dr. Phil doing now" or "what happened to Dr. Phil?" may be surprised to learn he's shifted his focus toward real, actionable consumer advocacy — including a partnership with Solo to help everyday Americans tackle debt head-on.

Dr. Phil McGraw spent decades helping people face their problems through his long-running television program. After stepping back from daytime TV in 2023, he launched new media ventures and began partnering with mission-driven companies that align with his core message: face your problems, don't run from them. His partnership with Solo is a natural extension of that philosophy.

Quick Facts: Dr. Phil McGraw

Question	Answer
Full name	Phillip Calvin McGraw
Known for	Dr. Phil TV show (2002–2023), self-help author, media personality
Is Dr. Phil a real doctor?	Yes — he holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from North Texas State University, though he is not a licensed practicing therapist
What is he doing now?	Consumer advocacy partnerships, media ventures, and helping Americans navigate financial hardship
Why debt?	Debt is one of the top causes of stress, anxiety, and family breakdown in America — right in line with Dr. Phil's lifelong focus areas

Why Debt Is a Crisis Worth Addressing

Dr. Phil has always said: the first step to solving a problem is acknowledging it. And debt in America is a problem we can no longer afford to ignore.

Key Debt Statistics in the United States

Statistic	Data
Total U.S. household debt	Over $18 trillion (2025)
Average credit card debt per household	~$10,000+
Americans sued by debt collectors each year	Millions — many without legal representation
Percentage of debt lawsuits where defendants don't respond	~70–90% (resulting in automatic default judgments)
Average debt settlement savings	20–50% of original balance

Source

When a debt collector shows up at your door — or worse, sues you — the emotional and financial toll is enormous. That's exactly the situation Dr. Phil is helping Solo address.

What Is Solo?

Solo is a legal technology company that helps consumers respond to debt lawsuits and settle debts for less than they owe — entirely online, without expensive attorneys or stressful phone calls.

Solo offers two primary products:

Product	What It Does	Best For
Debt Answer	Generates a legally valid written response to a debt collection lawsuit	People who have been sued by a debt collector
SoloSettle	A digital negotiation platform to settle debts directly with collectors	People who want to settle debt for less than they owe

How SoloSettle Works (Step-by-Step)

Enter your debt details — Tell Solo the basics about what you owe to get started.
Make an offer — Send a settlement proposal directly through the platform. No phone calls required.
Negotiate and finalize — Go back and forth until both sides agree, and Solo handles the secure payment.

The entire process happens online. No awkward calls. No attorneys. No courtrooms.

Dr. Phil's Message on Debt: The Full Breakdown

Here's the heart of what Dr. Phil wants people to hear:

"You know, I've spent my career helping people face their problems head-on. When you're facing debt, it can feel like you're drowning. No matter how hard you work, you might be feeling like you just can't come up for air. Solo turns that nightmare into a few simple clicks."

Dr. Phil's message maps directly onto the four emotional stages most people go through with debt:

Stage	What It Feels Like	What Solo Helps You Do
Denial	"It's not that bad"	Clearly see what you owe and your options
Fear	"I can't face this"	Start online, no confrontation required
Overwhelm	"I don't know where to begin"	Simple step-by-step guided process
Resolution	"I want this behind me"	Settle for less or respond to lawsuits legally

His core message: debt is about resolution, not fighting. Solo was built with exactly that in mind.

What to Do When You Feel Like You're Drowning in Debt

Whether you've been sued by a debt collector, are getting harassing phone calls, or simply have more debt than you can manage, here's a clear action plan.

Step 1: Don't Ignore It

The single worst thing you can do with debt — especially a debt lawsuit — is ignore it. If you've been served with a court summons, you typically have 20–30 days to respond (varies by state). Failure to respond results in a default judgment, which can allow collectors to garnish wages or freeze bank accounts.

Step 2: Know Your Rights

Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), debt collectors cannot:

Call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
Use abusive, threatening, or harassing language
Lie about the amount you owe
Threaten legal action they cannot or do not intend to take
Contact you after you request they stop in writing

Step 3: Understand Your Debt Settlement Options

Option	Description	Pros	Cons
Self-negotiation	Contact collector directly	Free	Stressful, no legal guidance
Debt settlement company	Third-party negotiates on your behalf	Hands-off	High fees (15–25%), tax implications
Bankruptcy	Legal discharge of debts	Stops collection activity	Severe credit impact, legal costs
Solo (SoloSettle)	Digital platform for direct settlement	Affordable, fast, no phone calls	Best for resolved (not ongoing) credit accounts
Debt attorney	Legal representation	Full legal protection	Expensive

Step 4: Respond to Any Lawsuit

If a debt collector has sued you, your first priority is filing a written Answer with the court. This preserves your rights, prevents a default judgment, and opens the door to negotiation. Solo's Debt Answer product walks you through the process, no legal background required.

Step 5: Settle for Less Than You Owe

Many collectors — particularly debt buyers who purchased your debt for pennies on the dollar — will accept 40–60% of the original balance as a settlement. Some accept even less. The key is knowing how to make an offer and having a secure, documented process for finalizing the deal.

Debt Resolution vs. Debt Settlement: What's the Difference?

These terms are often used interchangeably, but there are nuances worth knowing:

Term	Definition
Debt settlement	Negotiating with a creditor to accept a lump-sum payment for less than the full balance owed
Debt resolution	A broader term for any process that results in resolving a debt — including settlement, payment plans, or legal defense
Debt consolidation	Combining multiple debts into a single loan, usually at a lower interest rate
Debt management plan	A structured repayment plan arranged through a nonprofit credit counseling agency
Debt forgiveness	When a creditor cancels a debt entirely (rare; may be taxable income)

Solo specializes in debt settlement and debt resolution — helping people reach a negotiated outcome that ends the collection activity once and for all.

Start Your Debt-Free Journey

The phrase "debt-free journey" is popular for a reason: getting out of debt is genuinely a journey, not a single event. Here's how people typically move through it:

The Debt-Free Journey: Common Milestones

Acknowledge the full picture — List every debt you owe, including the creditor, balance, and status
Prioritize — Address debts that are in lawsuit status or active collections first
Explore settlement — Find out what collectors will accept before paying in full
Use the right tools — Platforms like Solo can dramatically reduce the cost and stress of resolution
Build a budget — Prevent future debt accumulation with a spending plan
Monitor your credit — Track improvements as settled accounts are updated
Stay debt-free — Build an emergency fund to avoid future reliance on credit

FAQs: Dr. Phil, Debt, and Solo

Is Dr. Phil a real doctor?

Yes. Dr. Phil McGraw holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from North Texas State University. He is not a licensed therapist but is a credentialed psychologist and recognized expert in behavioral science.

What happened to Dr. Phil's show?

Dr. Phil's daytime TV show ended its run in 2023 after more than 20 seasons. Since then, he has pursued new media projects and partnerships — including this collaboration with Solo to help Americans address financial stress and debt hardship.

What is Dr. Phil doing now?

Dr. Phil is involved in consumer advocacy, media content, and partnerships with companies that help everyday Americans solve real-world problems. His work with Solo focuses on empowering people to resolve debt without shame or legal intimidation.

What is Solo?

Solo is a legal technology platform that helps consumers respond to debt collection lawsuits and negotiate debt settlements entirely online. It is not a law firm or attorney, but a self-help tool that guides users through the process.

Can I really settle my debt for less than I owe?

Yes — debt settlement is a common and legal practice. Collectors, especially debt buyers, often accept less than the full balance. The key is knowing how to initiate and document the negotiation properly.

What is the DRPHIL15 discount code?

Use code DRPHIL15 at solosuit.com/drphil for 15% off all Solo fees.

Does Solo work if I've already been sued?

Yes. Solo's Debt Answer product is specifically designed for people who have received a court summons from a debt collector. It helps you file a legally valid response to avoid a default judgment.

Is debt settlement bad for my credit?

Settled accounts are typically reported as "settled for less than full amount," which is better than a default judgment or unpaid collection account. Your credit score may dip temporarily but generally recovers over time.

Why Dr. Phil + Solo Makes Sense

Dr. Phil has built a career on one idea: you have to face what's in front of you. Debt is no different. Avoidance makes things worse. Action — even imperfect action — is better than paralysis.

Solo was built on the same premise. The legal and financial systems can be intimidating, especially when you're already under stress. Solo removes the barriers — no lawyers, no phone calls, no courtrooms — and gives people a clear path forward.

Together, Dr. Phil and Solo are on a mission to help millions of Americans stop drowning in debt and start breathing again.

Get Started Today

Ready to take control of your debt? Visit our Dr. Phil + Solo partnership page and use code DRPHIL15 for 15% off all Solo fees.

Whether you need to respond to a debt lawsuit or settle a debt for less than you owe, Solo has the tools to help you resolve this — today.

How to Answer a Summons for debt collection in all 50 states

Here's a list of guides on how to respond to a debt collection lawsuit in each state:

The Ultimate 50 State Guide

Debt collector guides

Are you being contacted by a debt collector? We're making guides on how to resolve debt with each one.

Arbitration

If the thought of going to court stresses you out, you're not alone. Many Americans who are sued for credit card debt utilize a Motion to Compel Arbitration to push their case out of court and into arbitration.

Below are some resources on how to use an arbitration clause to your advantage and win a debt lawsuit.

Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is a great way to legally resolve debt, but it's usually best to consider it as a last resort. Here are some bankruptcy guides to help you decide which debt resolution option is best for you.

Check your case status

Don't have time to go to your local courthouse to check the status of your case? We've created state guides on how to check the status of your case throughout the US, complete with online search tools and court directories.

Credit

Debt has a big impact on your credit. Below is a list of guides on how to repair and improve your credit, even while managing major debt, along with other credit-related resources.

Debt collection FAQs

Find answers to some of our the most commonly-asked questions about debt collection below.

Debt collection documents and templates

If you're dealing with debt, these documents and templates will help you respond, protect your rights, negotiate, and resolve your debts.

Debt relief

We've created a specialized guide on how to find debt relief in all 50 states, complete with steps to take to find relief, state-specific resources, and more.

Debt settlement

Debt settlement is one of the most effective ways to resolve a debt and save money. We've created state guides on debt settlement. Find out how to settle in your state with a simple click and explore other debt settlement resources below.

Eviction

Facing an eviction? The following guides will help you navigate your situation with confidence.

Federal debt collection laws

Knowing your rights makes it easier to stand up for your rights. Below, we've compiled all our articles on federal debt collection laws that protect you from unfair practices.

Legal aid

Helping people find access to justice is at the heart of Solo's misison. If you're dealing with a legal debt issue, the following guides will help you through it.

Medical debt

Having a health challenge is stressful, but dealing with medical debt on top of it is overwhelming. Here are some resources on how to manage medical debt.

Personal finance

Learn how to manage your finances and overcome crushing debt. Check out our personal finance guides below.

State debt collection laws

Debt collection laws vary by state, so we have compiled a guide to each state's debt collection laws to make it easier for you to stand up for your rights—no matter where you live.

Statute of limitations on debt

Like all debt collection laws, the statute of limitations on debt varies by state. So, we wrote guides on each state's statutes and more.

Stop collection calls

Do you keep getting calls from an unknown number, only to realize that it's a debt collector on the other line? If you've been called by any of the following numbers, chances are you have collectors coming after you, and we'll tell you how to stop them.

Wage garnishment

Forgot to respond to your debt lawsuit? The judge may have ordered a default judgment against you, and with a default judgment, debt collectors can garnish your wages. Here are our guides on how to stop wage garnishment in your state, plus other wage garnishment resources.

The Debt Hotline

Hosted by Team Solo, The Debt Hotline breaks down debt and personal finance topics with help from attorneys, financial experts, and industry pros. We respond to real questions to help you navigate debt with knowledge and courage.

Dr. Phil on Debt: Partnering With Solo to Help Americans Find Resolution