AceShowbiz - In the world of reality television, drama on screen often spills over into real life. This is evident in the recent conflict between Lisa Vanderpump and former "Vanderpump Rules" star, Rachel Leviss. The discord stems from Leviss' comments suggesting she would return to the show only if production paid for her therapy sessions.

This statement has drawn a sharp response from Vanderpump, who finds the claim both confusing and unjustified. Speaking to Us Weekly, Vanderpump highlighted that Bravo, the network airing "Vanderpump Rules", has always ensured that therapeutic support is available to cast members during filming.

"I think Bravo [is] very cognizant of that - of being there even when you're filming, saying somebody's available for you to talk to," Vanderpump explained in an interview with Us Weekly. "So, I don't quite understand what that means." She reiterated that having access to a therapist should not be an issue, casting doubt on Leviss' assertion.

Leviss, who left the show after the fallout from her affair with costar Tom Sandoval, expressed that the environment on set was detrimental to her mental health and that any return would require "all expenses-paid therapy" with a therapist on call for every filming session.

"I'm trying to protect my mental health and I'm trying to live an authentic life," Leviss told Us Weekly. She pointed out how difficult it was to endure the previous season's discussions about her, especially since she was not present to defend herself.

Vanderpump countered that integrating Leviss back into the fold may not be feasible, given her negative comments about the show, producers, and the network itself. "It's hard to integrate somebody into a situation [like this…] I think we can safely say that ship has sailed," she said.

While Leviss is open to future reality TV opportunities, potentially in a competition show format, she remains skeptical about rejoining "Vanderpump Rules" due to the unhealthy dynamics she experienced.

Meanwhile, Ariana Madix, another central figure in the cheating scandal, has moved on and seen significant career success. Vanderpump noted that Madix's achievements are a form of "sweet revenge," citing her turn on "Dancing With the Stars" and various other high-profile gigs.

The clash between Vanderpump and Leviss serves as a reminder of the intense pressures faced by reality TV stars, and highlights ongoing concerns about mental health support in the industry. Whether Leviss' demands were justified or not, they underscore the need for proactive measures to ensure the well-being of those who bring drama and excitement to our screens.