New details about the recovery facility where Presley Gerber died are putting its founder’s past under scrutiny. Reza Nabavi, the psychologist who founded Resolutions Living in Santa Monica, California, had two drug-related arrests in 2002 and initially encountered problems obtaining professional registration because of his criminal history, according to records cited by Page Six and other outlets. California Board of Psychology records also document later disciplinary proceedings involving Nabavi.
The revelations have emerged days after Gerber, the 27-year-old son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, died on September 20, 2026. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner recorded his place of death as a rehabilitation facility but has not yet established an official cause of death.
© @presleygerberSanta Monica police are investigating the death as a suspected overdose. Authorities have said there is currently no indication of foul play, while toxicology testing is expected to play a key role in determining what happened.
Who Is Reza Nabavi, the Owner of Resolutions Living?
Nabavi is a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Resolutions Therapeutic Services. His professional biography says he specializes in substance-use disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, process addictions, and co-occurring conditions.
© Resolutions Therapeutic ServicesBut recently resurfaced records have drawn attention to events from more than two decades ago. According to official documents reviewed by Page Six and subsequently reported by TMZ and Infobae, Oakland police arrested Nabavi in February 2002, when he was 25 years old. Officers reportedly discovered him asleep in a vehicle in an area authorities associated with frequent narcotics and prostitution activity.
A 15-year-old girl was reportedly inside the vehicle. According to accounts of the records, she told police she did not know Nabavi well and was under the influence of methamphetamine.
Police reportedly found methamphetamine, marijuana, a firearm, ammunition, and a hunting knife while searching the vehicle.
Nabavi Faced Two Drug-Related Cases in 2002
In May 2002, Nabavi pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor controlled-substance possession charge and received 36 months of probation, according to reports based on the records.
Later that month, he was arrested again following an incident in which he allegedly agreed to sell methamphetamine to an informant. Authorities reportedly recovered methamphetamine, marijuana, and a glass pipe during the subsequent search.
Nabavi again pleaded no contest to misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance and received another 36-month probation sentence, according to Infobae’s review of the records.
The decades-old cases later became relevant when Nabavi sought professional registration in psychology.
Why Reza Nabavi Initially Faced Psychology Licensing Problems
Nabavi reportedly applied to the California Board of Psychology for professional registration in 2004. His application was denied, according to reports citing board documents. The cited reasons included his criminal conviction, use of a controlled substance, and conduct considered relevant to professional psychology practice. Another application was denied in 2005.
He eventually obtained registration as a psychological assistant in January 2006. The following month, that registration was revoked, but the revocation was stayed while Nabavi was placed under conditions that reportedly included supervision, substance testing, and participation in a drug and alcohol recovery program.
© LinkedInNabavi ultimately became registered as a psychologist in December 2006 after complying with the conditions imposed on him, according to the records cited in recent reporting.
California Board of Psychology meeting minutes confirm that Nabavi later petitioned for termination of his probation in May 2008. His current psychology license is reported as active through June 30, 2028.
Is Resolutions Living a Licensed Rehab Facility?
The distinction between a rehabilitation center and a sober-living residence has become an important part of the Presley Gerber case. Although the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner classified Gerber’s place of death as a rehabilitation facility, California authorities have reportedly said Resolutions Living is not licensed as a residential substance-use disorder treatment facility.
The California Department of Health Care Services told TMZ that it has no record of Resolutions operating as a licensed substance-use disorder residential treatment facility in Santa Monica. Based on available information, the agency said the program appeared to operate as a sober-living environment or recovery residence.
© Rodin EckenrothSober-living residences can operate without the same state license required for facilities providing residential substance-use treatment.
Resolutions Therapeutic Services separately advertises outpatient mental-health and addiction services. Its website identifies Nabavi as its founder and executive clinical director.
What Happened to Presley Gerber at Resolutions Living?
Gerber reportedly arrived at the Santa Monica facility on the evening of Saturday, September 19, only hours before his death.
The Los Angeles Times reported that Santa Monica police received calls concerning both a cardiac arrest and an overdose at Resolutions Living the following morning. Officers responded at approximately 9:35 a.m., and Gerber was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
© FilmMagicPolice are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, including the possible source of drugs involved in the suspected overdose. However, the medical examiner has deferred the official cause and manner of death while toxicology testing is completed.
Although law enforcement is investigating an apparent or suspected overdose, an overdose has not yet been officially established as Gerber’s cause of death.
There is also currently no public finding that Nabavi or Resolutions Living caused Gerber’s death.
Presley Gerber Had Spoken Publicly About Addiction Treatment
Before his death, Gerber had discussed his experiences with mental health and substance use.
In one of his final social media posts, he documented undergoing an ibogaine treatment as part of his efforts to address addiction. The model had also spoken publicly about depression and substance-use struggles and had launched a social media series focused on mental health.
© Axelle/Bauer-GriffinGerber was the only son of Crawford and Rande Gerber and the older brother of model and actress Kaia Gerber. He had established his own modeling career, working with major fashion brands including Calvin Klein and Dolce & Gabbana.
His family has asked for privacy following his death.
