In the decades prior to the creation of Christian Health Care Center, individuals with mental illnesses were cared for in asylums, jails, and almshouses, where conditions were despicable and often inhumane. But the deacons who met in Paterson vowed to offer a higher level of care following Christian principles.

Funds were raised, property was purchased, and, in 1917, the vision became a reality with the opening of the Christian Sanatorium. The farmhouse on the property was renovated to make it suitable for patient care, and the Christian San, as it became known, was immediately filled to capacity. In the spring of 1921, another building was dedicated to accommodate 35 patients. History soon repeated itself, and both hospitals were filled to capacity, with a growing waiting list, resulting in construction crews settling in once again during the fall of 1925.

By the end of World War II, the continued growth of the elderly population at the facility spurred interest in adding elder-care options to the services offered at the Christian San. In the fall of 1957, the 45-bed Christian Nursing Home was dedicated. During this year, an outpatient mental-health counseling center was also established. Construction projects continued through the 60s to house many support services, leading to the demolition of the original farmhouse.

With an eye toward the future, elder-care services were increased in the 1970s. In 1974, a 120-bed nursing home opened, and the Christian San was renamed Christian Health Care Center. In 1986, a $12 million expansion plan was approved, resulting in the 1989 dedication of Ramapo Ridge Psychiatric Hospital, Heritage Manor West Nursing Home, Hillcrest Residence, and Christian Health Care Adult Day Services. In 1988 the Dual Diagnosis Program, renamed Pathways a year later, opened.

The 1990s brought continued growth with the opening of Evergreen Court Supportive Senior Housing Complex in 1995 and the Evergreen Court Annex in 1997. Southgate at Ramapo Ridge also added another component to the Center's continuum of care in 1997. 1999 was also a year of growth for the Center with the opening of The Longview Assisted Living Residence, the formation of the Christian Health Care Center Foundation, and the unveiling of the newly renovated De Roo House to provide accommodations for individuals visiting the Center's residents and patients.

In addition, the Center began the new millennium with the expansion of its oupatient mental-health program through the addition of several Advent Counseling Centers in North Haledon, Somerset, Somerville, and Summit. The Ministry Renewal Center was designed for clergy-in-crisis who are experiencing difficulties in their ministries, families, or ability to function on a daily basis.