Phil McGraw, who brought his “Dr. Phil” show to New Orleans just after Hurricane Katrina, returned this week to tape follow-up episodes that will air in the coming weeks.
Since touring the city by boat in early September, the popular TV psychologist has used his show to focus on New Orleans’ recovery efforts and post-Katrina stress and mental health challenges, particularly for first responders.
McGraw met with police officers and firefighters who had lost their homes. Their families were living elsewhere. The footage was included in a special edition of “Dr. Phil” titled, “Rescuing the Rescuers.”
This week McGraw revisited many of the people and places he saw in the days after the Aug. 29 hurricane.
He hosted a benefit concert for first responders and their families at the New Orleans Arena on Thursday night. Performers included Jeff Foxworthy, Brian McKnight, Allen Toussaint and Brooks & Dunn.