Certain client populations are at higher risk or developing CFS or of relapsing during their process of recovery. Women, for example, often do not get enough rest time away from family demands to make a full recovery before higher activity levels are required of them. Members of the gay and lesbian populations are constantly exposed to levels of discrimination that are often experienced as cumulative trauma. This does not stop when they become ill. For these clients to fully recover they need to be skilled in coping strategies. Nurses are one of the most vulnerable professions as they are constantly exposed to the trauma of others. For them to return to work they must learn strategies for coping with the work environment or be assisted into alternative careers. Work with respect to boundaries is often required for this population. 

When assessing a clients needs it will be necessary to identify whether they belong to any of these (and other) client populations. Some of these issues could be covered with an intake form, however, some will not be revealed until the client feels safe and recognises that they are in a trustworthy environment.