Sober Living Facility Where Presley Gerber Died Was Run by Psychologist With Suspended License

September 24, 2026 - 18:04

The sober living home where Presley Gerber died was not required to hold a state license in California, and the psychologist who opened the facility had already lost his professional license before launching the operation.

Presley Gerber, the son of musician Kid Rock, was found dead at the residence. Details surrounding the circumstances of his death have not been fully released, but the case has drawn attention to the lack of oversight governing sober living homes across the state.

California does not mandate licensing for sober living facilities in many cases. These homes often operate as residential properties rather than licensed treatment centers, which means they can avoid the regulatory scrutiny applied to rehab clinics and medical facilities. Critics argue this gap allows unqualified operators to run facilities that house vulnerable people in recovery.

The psychologist tied to the home reportedly had his license suspended prior to opening the facility. That suspension raises questions about how someone barred from practicing psychology could still operate a residence marketed as a safe environment for people struggling with addiction.

Advocates for stricter rules say the situation highlights a broader problem. Without mandatory licensing, there is little to no oversight of staff qualifications, living conditions, or the types of care provided. Families searching for help for loved ones often have no easy way to verify whether a facility meets basic standards.

State lawmakers have considered measures to increase transparency and require some form of registration for sober living homes, but progress has been slow. For now, the responsibility often falls on families to research operators and confirm credentials on their own.