Presley Gerber Died in an Unlicensed Sober Home Run by Psychologist With Previously Revoked Registration

Presley Gerber was found dead on the morning of 20 September 2026 in a bedroom at Resolutions Living, a sober home in Santa Monica, California, that state regulators say was not licensed to operate as a substance-use treatment facility.

The 27-year-old model and son of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber had checked into the residence late on 19 September, and police are investigating his death as a suspected overdose, with the official cause deferred pending toxicology.

For context, California distinguishes between licensed residential treatment centres and unlicensed sober living homes that offer drug- and alcohol-free housing without clinical services.

The California Department of Health Care Services told reporters it has no record of Resolutions operating as a licensed substance-use disorder facility and that such sober living residences do not require its licence or oversight if they do not provide detox, counselling, group sessions or treatment planning.

Licensing Gap Around Presley Gerber Sober Home Raises Questions

The facility, advertised online as a 'world-class residential and outpatient treatment centre' with 'clinical depth and experience that is unparalleled', presented itself as more than a simple rooming house. Yet under state rules, the line is drawn by services offered, not by marketing language or the name on the door.

If a residence limits itself to housing, house rules and peer support, it can legally operate outside the DHCS licensing regime, even if it calls itself a 'rehab' in public-facing materials.

That regulatory distinction matters because it determines what kind of clinical safeguards, staffing and external oversight a property must maintain. Sober living homes in California are not licensed, certified or investigated by DHCS, though they may still need local permits or business licences depending on the city or county.

In practice, that can leave families to rely on websites, word of mouth and self-described 'luxury' branding when choosing a place for a vulnerable relative.

Reza Nabavi, Presley Gerber Facility Founder, Had Licence Revoked Before Opening

Adding to the scrutiny, the psychologist who founded Resolutions Therapeutic Services, Reza Nabavi, had his registration as a psychological assistant revoked in 2006, although the revocation was stayed and he was placed on five years' probation, according to California Board of Psychology records.

Nabavi later obtained registration as a psychologist in December 2006 after complying with the terms and conditions of his probation. His current psychology licence is listed as active, with an expiry date of 30 June 2028.

No regulatory action tied to Gerber's death has been announced, and no criminal charges have been filed in connection with the case, according to available reports.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has completed an examination but deferred the official cause and manner of death pending further testing. The office said such cases can take a few months before a determination is made.

Santa Monica Police Department officers responded to the 1000 block of Berkeley Street at about 9.35am on 20 September after a call reporting a possible overdose. Gerber was pronounced dead at 9.45am by paramedics. Police said there is no indication of foul play and are investigating the death as a suspected overdose.

Insiders told US outlets that Gerber, who had spoken openly about substance abuse and mental health struggles, checked himself in because 'he knew he needed help'. One source described him as someone who had 'always suffered from a huge lack of self-esteem and had trouble accepting his real self'.

The circumstances surrounding Gerber's death remain under investigation, and the available evidence does not establish that the home's licensing status played a role in his death.