Dr. Cheyenne Bryant has found herself in the internet’s hot seat lately, and she says she’s finally setting the record straight—for good. During a recent appearance on The Breakfast Club, the author and relationship expert addressed the growing controversy and responded to her critics, who questioned her doctoral degree after online sleuths searched for her dissertation and came up empty-handed.
“For the folk who already made up their mind to not like me, to not understand me, listen, I don’t give a fuck what your narrative is.”
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The Argosy University Transcripts and Parchment Dispute
The self-proclaimed psychology expert went on to explain that she completed her doctoral program at the now-defunct Argosy University. She claims that after the college permanently closed, she could no longer access her academic transcripts. She told the show’s hosts that she tried to retrieve her transcripts through Parchment, a third-party academic records administrator, but was told that the company only keeps academic records for two years, leaving her with no solid proof of her doctoral degree.
Social media users, including several Agrosy alums, called cap her explanation.
“I finished at Argosy University in 2005 and got a copy of my transcript from the 3rd party (Parchment) this year, “ a social media user commented on a clip of the interview posted to The Breakfast Club’s Instagram Page.
Dr. Dionne Mahaffey also fired off in the comments.
“Girl… that doesn’t even sound right, and it’s a lie, “ Mahaffey wrote.
Mahaffey also referenced Parchment, noting that the platform is fully operational and can be used to access academic transcripts.
“She’s doing verbal gymnastics and word salad to dodge legitimate questions people have about her qualifications,” Dr. Mahaffey continued.
Joe Budden Podcast Sparked Initial Backlash Over Therapy Licensure
The controversy began in late April when she appeared on The Joe Budden Podcast to promote her new book Live Your Promise: Escape Your Wilderness, Heal Your Pain, So You Can Manifest the Life You Want.
The author admitted she does not hold a therapy license, explaining that she intentionally practices without one to avoid dealing with insurance companies. The revelation sparked immediate backlash online and raised concerns across the mental health community.
Critics, particularly licensed therapists and mental health professionals, accused Bryant of potentially putting vulnerable people at risk by operating without the oversight and ethical standards that come with a professional license. Without a governing board or formal credentials, many questioned who, if anyone, is holding her accountable.
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The Ethics of Using the “Doctor” Title Unlicensed
The debate deepened regarding the appropriate use of professional titles. Bryant received an honorary doctorate from Harvest Christian Academy in 2025. While receiving an honorary degree traditionally allows an individual to use the title “doctor” in specific ceremonial contexts, ongoing questions about her formal psychology degree raise a larger, systemic issue within the wellness industry: Is claiming the title ethical when operating in a clinical or counseling capacity?
As public scrutiny intensifies, the ongoing debate highlights the growing friction between unlicensed internet personalities and traditional, credentialed mental health practitioners.
Although the title allows her to use “doctor,” ongoing questions about her psychology degree raise a larger issue: Is claiming the title ethical?
