Our History

Our History

NorthStar Behavioral Health has been serving Greater Cincinnati for nearly 50 years. Our story began in 1951, when the University of Cincinnati’s Department of Psychiatry opened a small clinic called the Alcoholism Clinic. That clinic was created to help people struggling with alcohol addiction at a time when very few treatment options existed.

In 1976, the organization became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit and took the name of The Crossroads Center. Under that name, we grew. We expanded our programs. We began treating substance use disorders beyond alcohol. And we became the first organization in Cincinnati to treat mental health and substance use disorders together, recognizing that these challenges often go hand in hand.

Through the opioid crisis, we adapted. We opened the first methadone clinic in the Greater Cincinnati area. We developed specialized residential care for women, including support for pregnant and postpartum women dealing with substance use. We built collaborative relationships with courts, hospitals, churches, and community organizations to reach people who needed help but didn’t know where to find it.

For nearly five decades, thousands of people have come through our doors and found a path forward.

In 2026, we entered a new chapter. With renewed leadership, a restored mission, and a deep commitment to the people we serve, we became NorthStar Behavioral Health. The name reflects what we’ve always been: a point of direction, a source of hope, and a light for people who are looking for the way forward.

The work continues. The mission hasn’t changed. And we’re just getting started.