Source: Kim Richards' Family Believes a 5150 Hold Will Help the 'Real Housewives' Star

After being placed under citizen's arrest on Sunday for not paying for more than $600 worth of toys, the family of former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kim Richards is reportedly considering drastic measures to help her.

"Kim is clearly in crisis," psychotherapist Dr. Robi Ludwig told ET. "She's probably trying to self-medicate a depression."

WATCH: Kim Richards Arrested for Shoplifting

New reports on Wednesday claim that Richards' family is considering putting her on an involuntary psychiatric hold called a 5150.

"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," Dr. Ludwig explained.

WATCH: Kim Richards on New Determination to Stay Sober: 'Relapsing Was Very Hard for Me'

The 5150 hold helped stars like Britney Spears and Amanda Bynes, but the move requires the cooperation of legal and health care professionals.

"Once the family commits someone involuntarily, they are saying, 'My family member is in the hands of the medical staff or a mental health attorney,'" Dr. Ludwig said.

Richards' arrest for petty theft at a Target store over the weekend comes months after she was arrested for battery and a possible relapse at her daughter's wedding in May. Dr. Ludwig believes that the hold could give Richards an extra boost in her sobriety struggle.

WATCH: Kim Richards on 'Real Housewives' Drama: Lisa Vanderpump Is 'Phony'

"It usually is a motivator to get some form of treatment that they need to get stabilized and get healthier," Dr. Ludwig said.

'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' Star Kim Richards Arrested for Shoplifting

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