Kim Richards Hospitalized: Why Did The Family Of ‘Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills’ Star Check Her In?

Kim Richards was hospitalized last week, but a reason for her stay has not been given. The troubled star of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” was reportedly brought to the hospital by concerned family members.

“Her family checked her in,” a source told Us Weekly. “She wants to get out ASAP, but her family refuses.”

However, E Online reported that the former child star has already checked out of the hospital. Her representatives have not commented on what she was doing there, but rumors have been swirling about a possible 5150 psychiatric hold. A 5150 is an involuntary psychiatric hold that would leave decisions about Richards’ care up to health-care professionals. If E Online’s sources are correct, Richards’ checking out of the hospital would mean she was not held against her will.

Richards’ family members may have been hoping that a hospital trip would serve as a wake-up call. Some of them are reportedly hoping she’ll go back for treatment. “There are people in the family who wish she had stayed in rehab longer,” a source told E Online. “They weren’t happy she chose to leave early.”

For Richards, 50, the hospitalization came after another legal incident. The former Bravo reality-television star, who is an admitted alcoholic, allegedly shoplifted at a Target store in Los Angeles Aug. 2. After purportedly stealing more than $600 worth of merchandise, she was taken to jail and released the next morning on $5,000 bail, according to TMZ. It was Richards’ second arrest this year. She was charged with battery of a police officer, public intoxication, resisting arrest and trespassing after an incident in April.

Despite leaving rehab early, the “RHOBH” star maintained she was sober in an interview last month. “I love sobriety,” Richards told Entertainment Tonight. “I’ve always loved sobriety, and relapsing was very hard for me. It was not easy. I have to say, don't take this wrong, but I really wanted to go to treatment because I needed a break from what I was going through at home.”