Of the following professionals, who would be most likely to treat a student with a severe behavioral problem?

The most suitable professional to treat a student with severe behavioral problems is the school psychologist. School psychologists are trained to address a range of psychological and emotional issues that can affect a student's learning and behavior. They are equipped with skills in assessment, intervention, and the application of evidence-based practices to support students with significant challenges. This includes developing behavior intervention plans that are tailored to the individual student's needs.

Additionally, school psychologists often work collaboratively with teachers, parents, and other staff to implement strategies that promote positive behavior and academic success. They are familiar with both the emotional and cognitive aspects of learning and can foster an environment conducive to addressing severe behavioral problems effectively.

While other professionals, such as school counselors, teacher assistants, and special education teachers, play important roles in the educational system, their training and responsibilities may not focus as specifically on severe behavioral issues as those of a school psychologist. For example, school counselors primarily guide students in academic and personal/social development. Teacher assistants support classroom management under the direction of a teacher, and special education teachers cater to the educational needs of students with disabilities, but they may not have the specialized training in mental health needed to treat severe behavioral problems directly.