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Former Real Housewives of New Jersey star Danielle Staub tells PEOPLE she walked away after her stripping appearance and is seeking treatment for psychological problems rooted in childhood sexual abuse.

"I have addictions with love and low self-esteem, and I need help!" Staub, 48, says after photos of her dancing nude at Scores in New York appeared on the Internet.

"My low self-esteem derived from childhood sexual abuse has messed with my mind and self-worth, and over the years I thought about getting help but pushed it deep into the depths of denial," she says. "For years I have had the suicide hotline on my cell phone and would like nothing more than to free myself from this constant pressure.

"Seeing how I have hurt myself and my family this time," she continues, "I can no longer push it behind me."

The reality star, who is currently working on a new show with Heidi Montag and Jake Pavelka, says she has "sought out" Dr. Drew Pinsky for assistance.

Staub says she was "coaxed" into signing the appearance with Scores by her past handlers, but adds, "I have to own my mistakes and can't blame others." She says she has since "walked away" from the deal.

Credit: PEOPLE (Jennifer Garcia)

Season 3 of the Real Housewives of New Jersey started on a dramatic note Monday night – with an epic brawl at Teresa Giudice's nephew's christening.

Plus, there are two new Housewives – both related to Giudice – in the mix now that the show's villain, Danielle Staub, is gone.

While Giudice is certainly a drama magnet, Staub, in an interview with E! Online, recently predicted that ratings would suffer in her absence.

"I brought the [drama]," Staub, 48, said. "People either loved me or hated me, but they were paying attention. This [season] is just full out nasty family fighting. Everyone's got that. Where's the element of surprise there?

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Credit: PEOPLE (Sarah Durham Wilson)

The third season of Real Housewives of New Jersey kicks off tonight on Bravo, and two new ladies will be introduced to the Garden State crowd. But former Housewife Danielle Staub thinks the new season will be an epic flop without her.

“It’s not going to have the ratings,” Danielle told E! Online of the third season. “I brought the [drama]. People either loved me or hated me, but they were paying attention. This [season] is just full out nasty family fighting. Everyone’s got that. Where’s the element of surprise there?”

And don’t expect Danielle, who is rumored to be dating Ray Jay, to watch the new season either.

“It was becoming nonproductive for me,” she said. “I’m so much, so much more less stressed. I mean Bravo was amazing, the producers were amazing, but you know the cast, there’s no resolve with them… I think it’s time for everyone to see who truly the crazy ones are.”

The ladies who are featured on the show stopped by the set of the TODAY show this morning, and shared why they think you should tune in to the action.

“It’s really deep,” said newcomer Melissa Gorga of the first fight of the season that happens at the Christening of her son on tonight’s premiere episode. “It’s real. There’s a lot of emotions going on. It’s unfortunate. The cameras caught it all. It happens.”

Credit: OK! Magazine (Brittany Talarico)

RumorFix has learned exclusively that the VH1 reality show Famous Food is wrapping up with a clash between Danielle Staub and Heidi Montag's PR team.

We caught up with the former Real Housewives of New Jersey star on Friday, and when we asked if she gets along with everyone on the show, she responded, "No."

Although Danielle says she has no problem with The Hills star, she reveals, "Some of her peeps are a little questionable. I'm just saying."

RumorFix has learned exclusively that Heidi felt she was being bullied by Danielle, so she called in her publicist Kali Bowyer and manager Debra Antney for help -- that's when sparks began to fly.

We're told that Danielle was bragging, "I have a book, I'm more famous than Heidi." But we've been assured Danielle was put in her place.

The Celebrity Apprentice-like show gives stars restaurant tasks related to renovation, concept, marketing, menu, staffing and opening. The winner, gets to be a partner in the restaurant.

Credit: Rumor Fix

Danielle Staub, formerly of the Real Housewives of New Jersey, was spotted leaving a medical building in Beverly Hills with a Lisa Klein bag on Monday, May 2, 2011.

Credit: Zimbio

Former Real Housewives of New Jersey star Danielle Staub was spotted at Paul & Jo's in Beverly Hills filming her new VH1 reality show Famous Foods. Also pictured, co-stars Heidi Montag and Ashley Dupree.

Credit: Zimbio

One part bachelor, one part housewife, and a pinch of Heidi Montag - sound like the recipe for success? Somebody thinks so.

Reality alumni Jake Pavelka and Danielle Staub are teaming up with the former "Hills" star to take a Los Angeles eatery from drab to fab in a new VH1 show, reports People.

"They are revamping a restaurant from the ground up," a source tells the mag. "They started shooting this past weekend."

The three TV veterans will work alongside other reality alums to open a restaurant in only 28 days - setting the stage for tight deadlines and lots of drama.

"At the end of the six weeks they will be judged before a panel of the nightlife investors," a source tells Hollywood Life. "And one celebrity will be chosen to get a stake and ownership in the restaurant."

Credit: NY Daily News