Kim Richards' family considering 5150 for troubled 'Real Housewives' star

Since her release from jail after being arrested at a local Target Sunday, Kim Richards may need more drastic psychiatric help, her family says.

Reports say the 50-year-old Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star may be subjected to an involuntary psychiatric hold, or 5150, by her family. According to the California Welfare and Institutions Code, the hold is meant to confine a person who is suffering from a mental health disorder and may be a danger to themselves or others.

In the past, 5150 holds have aided celebrities like Britney Spears and Amanda Bynes.

The hold requires that qualified health care or legal professionals agree that the subject in question is indeed suffering from a mental disorder that puts them or others in harm's way.

"Kim is clearly in crisis," psychotherapist Dr. Robi Ludwig told Entertainment Tonight after learning of Kim Richards through reports. "She's probably trying to self-medicate a depression."

"The way a 5150 would benefit Kim is that it allows her to get the treatment she needs and it also stops her from signing herself out of the hospital," Ludwig said.

Richards reportedly left rehab in June and is experiencing an unstable living situation. Sources tell People the former child actress has cut herself off from her family and friends and has become increasingly unpredictable.