FY 2022-23 Annual Report
Letter from Chair of the Board and CEO
In 1923, Central Clinic Behavioral Health (CCBH) was awarded a $30,000 grant from the Community Chest, now known as United Way. This investment launched the first mental health nonprofit serving both children and adults in the State of Ohio – our organization.
For those of you familiar with Cincinnati and its healthcare community, you will recognize the name of Dr. Emerson A. North. In 1956, the Cincinnati Sanitarium (originally established in 1873) was renamed for Emerson Arthur North, MD because he was a pioneer in clinical psychiatry at the University of Cincinnati. Dr. North was hired as the first director of CCBH, then called Central Psychiatric Clinic, and he led the agency through the initial stages of growth while holding a position as professor of psychiatry at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.
Gradually, Central Clinic Behavioral Health grew and five divisions were developed to meet the needs of the diverse patients/clients who wanted to improve their lives through behavioral health services. Programming continues to be developed and expanded to meet the behavioral health (mental health and substance use) needs of the community.
Most recently, the Child & Family Treatment Center increased the number of Latino families served in our community and schools. In addition, CCBH was the first behavioral health organization to provide collaborative services in support of LGBTQ+ adults. Services continue to be provided, both face-to-face and via Telehealth, depending on the needs and preferences of the children, families, and adults we serve.
Walter S. Smitson, Ph.D., President & CEO (Ret)
Michael Chaney, Chair of the Board
Kimberly Mages, PhD, LPCC-S, President & CEO
