Transgender Woman Gets Wake-Up Call About Dangerous Lifestyle

Hope, a 22-year-old transgender woman, admits that she supports herself by working as an escort.

“I’m doing what I need to do, what I have to do to keep myself alive,” she says.

TELL DR. PHIL YOUR STORY: Life in crisis?

However, her mother, with whom she has a rocky relationship, says she fears for Hope’s life because her daughter has been beaten, raped, robbed and held captive.

WATCH: Woman Describes How Her Life Changed Once She ‘Accepted Herself’ As Transgender

In the video above, Dr. Phil reviews the dangers that are associated with prostitution and working as a female transgender sex worker, and gives Hope a wake-up call about her behavior.

“You are putting your life in danger,” he tells her.

“Everyone can judge me, everyone can say, ‘Oh, she’s a mess, she’s a prostitute’ … I’ve felt all those feelings about myself, and I’ve had to deal with it,” Hope says. “But I also was doing what I thought at the time was right to make money to survive.”

WATCH: A Day In The Life Of A Transgender Woman

“The only thing I’m judging is your attitude,” Dr. Phil makes clear. “The fact that you are transitioning does not give you a right to check out of life, sit on the sidelines, be socially irresponsible, put your life in danger or be rude to your family because they’re not in the same place you are. That doesn’t mean that you all of a sudden get a pass on everything.”

This episode of Dr. Phil airs Tuesday. Watch more here.

TELL DR. PHIL YOUR STORY: Conflict so big it needs a Dr. Phil solution?

‘I Am Cait’ Co-Star Chandi Moore Offers Advice To 22-Year-Old Transgender Woman