The Counseling Center of the North Shore (CCNS) is a nonprofit mental health center with a mission of helping people through life’s challenges and transitions by providing access to counseling, therapy, and community education.
Media Inquiries
Please contact Thomas Applegate, Executive Director
thomasapplegate<@>ccns.org // 847-999-4352
992 1/2 Green Bay Rd, Winnetka IL 60093
ccns.org
Please contact Thomas Applegate, Executive Director
thomasapplegate<@>ccns.org // 847-999-4352
992 1/2 Green Bay Rd, Winnetka IL 60093
ccns.org
Mental Health Matters on the North Shore
Leading a Fresh Start: The Counseling Center of the North Shore in 2025
Just across the street from Hubbard Woods Park, nestled in among the busy shops and restaurants, the Counseling Center of the North Shore (CCNS) has long been a pillar of support for the community. Founded in 1893 as the Winnetka Relief League, the organization initially provided food, clothing, and shelter to those in need. Over the decades, CCNS has grown to meet evolving challenges, becoming a vital resource for mental health care on the North Shore. Now, with new
Executive Director the helm, the Center is prepared to meet the rising demand for its services, particularly as residents embrace the new year as an opportunity for renewal and personal growth.
---Paul Clements, Photos by Luke Stilwell, Stilwell Social, "Fresh Starts, Lasting Care: How CCNS Serves the North Shore Community," Best Version Media, Winnetka Kenilworth Living, Northfield Living, Wilmette Living, January 2025
Leading a Fresh Start: The Counseling Center of the North Shore in 2025
Just across the street from Hubbard Woods Park, nestled in among the busy shops and restaurants, the Counseling Center of the North Shore (CCNS) has long been a pillar of support for the community. Founded in 1893 as the Winnetka Relief League, the organization initially provided food, clothing, and shelter to those in need. Over the decades, CCNS has grown to meet evolving challenges, becoming a vital resource for mental health care on the North Shore. Now, with new
Executive Director the helm, the Center is prepared to meet the rising demand for its services, particularly as residents embrace the new year as an opportunity for renewal and personal growth.
---Paul Clements, Photos by Luke Stilwell, Stilwell Social, "Fresh Starts, Lasting Care: How CCNS Serves the North Shore Community," Best Version Media, Winnetka Kenilworth Living, Northfield Living, Wilmette Living, January 2025
| CCNS Winnetka-Kenilworth Living January 2025 |
The Counseling Center of the North Shore selects Thomas Applegate as its next Executive Director
October 17, 2024, For Immediate Release
The Counseling Center of the North Shore (CCNS), a nonprofit mental health center in Winnetka, IL, welcomes the appointment of Thomas Applegate as its new Executive Director, effective October 14, 2024. This milestone follows a successful partnership with nonprofit executive search firm KEES. Applegate, who grew up in Winnetka, will guide the organization in fulfilling its mission to support individuals through life’s challenges and transitions while also steering its future direction. Additionally, Applegate will lead and manage the organization with a dual focus on external areas including resource development, community engagement, and partnerships, along with internal responsibilities of fiscal management and team leadership. Download the press release (PDF) here.
October 17, 2024, For Immediate Release
The Counseling Center of the North Shore (CCNS), a nonprofit mental health center in Winnetka, IL, welcomes the appointment of Thomas Applegate as its new Executive Director, effective October 14, 2024. This milestone follows a successful partnership with nonprofit executive search firm KEES. Applegate, who grew up in Winnetka, will guide the organization in fulfilling its mission to support individuals through life’s challenges and transitions while also steering its future direction. Additionally, Applegate will lead and manage the organization with a dual focus on external areas including resource development, community engagement, and partnerships, along with internal responsibilities of fiscal management and team leadership. Download the press release (PDF) here.
2024 Impact Report
A Message from the Board President David Grant
Fiscal Year 2024 was one of continued growth for the Counseling Center of the North Shore. Our service levels increased 11% over the prior year, and we subsidized over $348,000 in care for our clients. To meet the increasing need for accessible, high-quality mental health services, we added therapists to our clinical staff, expanded our internship program, and launched a fellowship program for recent master’s program graduates.
Download the 2024 Impact Report here.
How We Help
The Counseling Center of the North Shore (CCNS) is a nonprofit mental health center in Winnetka. Through the generous support of our donors, we provide access to high-quality mental health services to everyone in the community, regardless of their ability to pay. Our nine licensed and skilled therapists work with clients of all ages to address various mental health issues.
Our services include:
CCNS Sliding Fee Scale: For those without health insurance or with high deductible amounts that make weekly therapy inaccessible, we offer a sliding fee scale. Fees start as low as $5.00 per session and are based on annual household income and the number of dependents in the household.
A Message from the Board President David Grant
Fiscal Year 2024 was one of continued growth for the Counseling Center of the North Shore. Our service levels increased 11% over the prior year, and we subsidized over $348,000 in care for our clients. To meet the increasing need for accessible, high-quality mental health services, we added therapists to our clinical staff, expanded our internship program, and launched a fellowship program for recent master’s program graduates.
Download the 2024 Impact Report here.
How We Help
The Counseling Center of the North Shore (CCNS) is a nonprofit mental health center in Winnetka. Through the generous support of our donors, we provide access to high-quality mental health services to everyone in the community, regardless of their ability to pay. Our nine licensed and skilled therapists work with clients of all ages to address various mental health issues.
Our services include:
- Individual Therapy for Children, Adolescents, and Adults
- Couples and Family Counseling and Therapy
- Psychological Testing and Assessments
- Community Education
CCNS Sliding Fee Scale: For those without health insurance or with high deductible amounts that make weekly therapy inaccessible, we offer a sliding fee scale. Fees start as low as $5.00 per session and are based on annual household income and the number of dependents in the household.
- We offer clients the option of in-person or telehealth therapy sessions
- We see clients seven days a week and offer daytime and evening appointments
- We offer Spanish-language therapy
connect with the counseling center
Winnetka Thrift Shop
The efforts of Counseling Center of the North Shore are supported by the proceeds of the The Winnetka Thrift Shop. The shop features exciting, quality merchandise including designer label garments at great prices. Since our shelves are re-stocked daily, every visit becomes a new adventure. You might just find that special item you have been searching for! You’ll be amazed at what you’ll discover and how much you can save! Our merchandise is in excellent condition and well-organized and our dedicated staff and volunteers are eager to help make your shopping experience easy and enjoyable.
We welcome donations - click here for more information on donating.
We welcome donations - click here for more information on donating.