Close friends of the 26-year-old, who was charged with two counts of driving on a suspended licence, are frustrated with her parents' tentative approach.
They also fear that Bynes will continue on a downward spiral if they don't take immediate control of the situation, reported TMZ online.
"Her friends cannot understand why her parents, who recently moved to Los Angeles from Texas to be closer to their daughter, are not being more proactive when it comes to her wellbeing," a source said.
Bynes has become increasingly isolated and is no longer communicating with her family including her brother and sister, but her friends are urging them to break down her front door if necessary and escort her to a suitable treatment centre.
The "She's the Man" star was formally charged after two incidents at Burbank Airport in California, which occurred an hour and a half apart. She could face up to six months in jail for each charge.
This is the latest in a string of setbacks for Bynes, whose recent troubles include having her car impounded and facing charges of DUI (driving under the influence).
She was also involved in two bizarre episodes earlier last week, locking herself in a store changing room for nearly two hours and refusing to come out and stripping off during a gym class.