Mischa Barton Goes Back to Work, Friends Say it is Too Soon

Mischa Barton was placed under involuntary psychiatric care at LA's Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on July 15 after a reported breakdown that followed a three-day cocaine binge. She was a few days later, and arrived in New York late Tuesday evening to begin filming her new CW drama, "The Beautiful Life." The show's producers are confident that Barton will be able to handle being back on the job, but her friends aren't quite as sure.

A friend of the actress said:

“Mischa needs more aggressive treatment over a long period of time. It’s only been a matter of days since she was released from the hospital, and I think she definitely wasn’t there long enough. She needs to be very cautious — she’s at a very big risk. I personally think it’s a bad idea to go back this quickly, given her past history with substance abuse.”

The role she plays in the new show isn't likely to help matters either. Mischa will be playing an aging supermodel with a drug problem, which some of her friends find questionable given her meltdown and history with substance abuse.

But, not all her friends thing going back to work is such a bad idea. Another insider believes that this is exactly what she needs to get her life back on track:

“She’s obviously feeling better if she’s back to work,” says the source. “She’s excited to be a part of the show, and she’s very focused on it.”

Show producers and Barton's rep also feel she is ready. Producers Mike Kelley and Karey Burke said:

“We are happy to report that Mischa is doing well and excited to start work, as we all are."

Barton’s rep, Craig Schneider said:

“Mischa is excited to be back at work, and so too are the studio and network.”

Production for the show was supposed to begin on July 22, however that was pushed back until Friday July 30. The network, however, denies that it had anything to do with Barton's hospitalization. The show is now set to debut on September 16.