This study sought to evaluate the school-based counseling services that were provided to 95 students as part of the Children First counseling program. The primary evaluation question focused on the effectiveness of the program in positively impacting traditionally underserved populations in the following domains: increasing social skills, decreasing problem behaviors, and increasing academic competence. A review of relevant literature revealed the impact of school-based services on decreasing barriers to mental health services and improving the coordination of care among agencies, specifically with underserved populations. The results of the evaluation study indicated that the Children First program is effectively preventing mental health issues and intervening with children experiencing such challenges, including those who are traditionally underserved. Implications for future research are discussed. [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.]