So Kim Richards is not doing well ...

After being arrested yet again, this time for shoplifting , the disgraced reality star was hospitalized and placed on an involuntary psychiatric hold -- known in the psych world as a "5150" hold -- last week, reports RadarOnline.

There is one glimmer of hope -- the site also claims that after the hold expired Richards voluntarily agreed to seek further treatment and is at a facility in southern California.

If someone is placed on a "5150" -- then that person is involuntarily placed under confinement for 72 hours so doctors can assess if she is a danger to herself or to others.

The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health training manual states that under the 5150: "someone who is in serious need of mental health treatment can be transported to a designated inpatient facility for evaluation and treatment for up to 72-hours against their will."

We hope she gets some help ...