Forbes has functioned as Director of the Institute for Smoking Cessation and Prevention at Vanderbilt Dayani Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She has been trained in the Mayo Clinic Tobacco Treatment Specialist Program, presented at local, national and international conferences, and conducted research with various treatment modalities. A former smoker, Forbes uses the evidenced-based information in The Clinical Practice Guidelines: Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence, 2008 Update for her programs. She has counseled clients individually, in group format and in corporate settings and tailors interventions in response to various needs.