Chris Brown to spend about 3 months in rehab

Chris Brown will spend up to three months in treatment for his anger issues as he looks to get a handle on his temper, according to a new report.

There has been no firm decision on a precise duration of time Brown will stay in rehab (he's at a Malibu, Calif., location) but three months is a good bet.

Everyone in Brown's camp, including Chris, is open to that length of time.

Sounds like it's serious, too, even if it is largely a play to avoid prison.

"The rehab facility has been told to take him [Brown] apart and put him back together," a source close to the constantly embattled singer tells TMZ.

Chris Brown checked into rehab last night, specifically to seek treatment for his anger problem, which manifested itself Sunday morning when he was arrested.

He allegedly punched a guy in the face for photobombing him and/or trying to get on his tour bus, and spent a day and a half in a jail cell as a result.

The 24-year-old was eventually cut loose and the charge was reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor. He is due back in court Monday, November 25.

For this particular fight, he will not be given jail time. But even a lesser conviction or merely a criminal charge could trigger a violation of his probation.

Brown's lawyer, Mark Geragos, knows it's likely that a judge will revoke Brown's probation for beating Rihanna, which could put him behind bars.

It's undoubtedly strategic, but the rehab move is an act of good faith, showing Brown is dealing with his problems, and hopefully he takes it seriously.

Otherwise, it's just a matter of who gets beaten up next and when. Karrueche Tran is standing by her man for now, but he's running out of second chances.