Who among the following professionals is NOT typically involved in evaluating disabilities?

The professional who is not typically involved in evaluating disabilities is the unlicensed counselor. In the context of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), evaluating a person's disability generally requires the engagement of qualified and licensed professionals who have the credentials and expertise necessary to assess an individual’s medical and psychological conditions.

A licensed physician, for example, plays a crucial role in diagnosing physical ailments and assessing their impact on an individual’s ability to work. Similarly, a licensed psychologist provides valuable insights into mental health disorders and their functional limitations. Licensed optometrists can evaluate visual impairments, which are relevant in disability assessments. In contrast, an unlicensed counselor does not possess the professional recognition or requisite credentials to conduct formal evaluations. Their lack of licensure means they cannot legally assess an individual's disability status within the framework established by Social Security, which necessitates reliable documentation and evaluations from accredited professionals.