Although there is a great need for school-based mental health services (SBMH), these needs are not adequately met in California's public schools. To meet these needs better, evidence-based methods have been used, including multi-tiered systems of support, training and workforce development, cultural competence, and family and youth engagement and empowerment. This doctoral project explored evidence-based interventions, who should provide SBMH services, and how to improve the effectiveness of SBMH. School-based mental health programs in the Los Angeles Unified School District, Downey Unified School District, Puente Hills SELPA, West Orange County Consortium for Special Education, and Compton Unified School District were examined and compared within several areas, including composition of staff, roles of the school psychologist, follow-up data for students receiving SBMH services, and the primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention focus. Implications on professional training for school psychologists are presented for the Master's and Doctoral levels. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]