Former "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Kim Richards was recently hospitalized and medically treated under a 5150 medical hold.

RadarOnline reports the 50-year-old Richards was subjected to the emergency hold last week in California after her erratic behavior included such incidents as berating her daughter on the day of her wedding and being arrested on shoplifting charges after allegedly trying to steal $600 in merchandise from a Target store.

In California, physicians can impose an involuntary 72-hour confinement period on someone they deem to be a danger to themselves or others. The website adds Richards' family has long been in favor of the move to have her institutionalized.

"They were at the end of their rope trying to get her help and decided to force her to get it," said a source. Reports are Richards was released on the hold after the maximum three days, but has now returned to another facility in Southern California for more treatment.

"Kim finally realized that she needed help and is truly committed to getting it," said a source. "She voluntarily checked into an inpatient facility in Orange County. The family has been very supportive of this move."

Rumors also abound that the family more or less forced Richards into the move by warning her that she would be completely cut off financially if she continued to resist treatment. The hope is that the tough love tactics may have finally gotten through to Richards.

"Kim hit rock bottom and is finally ready to do the work needed to get her life back on track," one insider said.

Prior to her latest arrest, Richards, who was fired from "Real Housewives" several months ago, was also hospitalized and briefly did a stint in a rehab facility for treatment.