Kim Richards has entered a treatment center and a friend makes it clear to People: the reality star needs a lot of help.

Describing Kim's behavior leading up to the stint as "erratic," this sources tells the magazine:

"Kim has been to rehab more than once before, but every time is a new time, and everyone just hopes this sticks and that she gets the help she needs. It's serious."

Among the myriad of problems facing Paris Hilton's aunt? Despite what you saw on a recent episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Kim is NOT residing with her boyfriend, Ken.

"She's basically homeless, staying with various friends," this insider says. "She doesn't have a home base. It's not unusual for people to not hear from her for long stretches of time. It's been that way for years... She has lots of issues. She needs help."