London, Jan 19 (IANS) US television show doctor Phil McGraw regrets going public with his thoughts on troubled pop singer Britney Spears' mental health.

McGraw had agreed to meet Spears when she was admitted to the hospital after a breakdown, reports contactmusic.com. But the star's family was upset with him for talking about her 'mental instability'.

The doctor could also be in trouble with the Board of Psychology after they found out that he was practising without a valid California licence when he went to help Britney.

His peers also criticised him for wanting to plan a special show on Britney's problems. The idea was scrapped later.

He says: 'Did it help in the situation? No. I have to acknowledge that and I do. I definitely think if I had it to do it over again, I probably wouldn't make any statement at all. Period.'