Meghan Hartford
Meghan Hartford is a dedicated social worker based in New Jersey, specializing in Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP). Her work focuses on providing trauma-informed care, running group and individual sessions, and offering psychoeducation to clients and their families. Meghan is passionate about helping individuals navigate challenges related to mental health and substance use, creating a safe space where clients can feel seen, heard, and supported. Her hands-on experience, combined with her compassionate approach, allows her to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those she serves.
Meghan’s commitment to social work is deeply personal. Having grown up in the foster care system herself, she understands the profound impact that a caring professional can have on a young person’s life. This firsthand experience inspired her to pursue a career in social work, guiding her mission to support and advocate for vulnerable populations. Prior to her professional career, she gained valuable experience through internships in mental health and substance use programs, giving her a strong foundation in best practices and client-centered care.
Academically, Meghan has excelled at every stage of her journey. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from William Patterson University in 2018, graduating with a 3.8 GPA and actively participating in research and the Honor Society. She went on to complete her Master’s in Social Work at Rutgers University in May 2025, achieving a significant milestone as a former foster youth. Meghan is a certified gambling counselor and is completing the required hours to become a licensed drug and alcohol counselor. Beyond her professional pursuits, she actively supports causes for foster youth, including organizing fundraisers and initiatives to provide children with essential supplies, reflecting her ongoing commitment to giving back to the community that shaped her.
• Certified Gambling Counselor
• LSW
• William Paterson University of New Jersey Bachelor Degree in Social Work
• NASW
• Foster Love
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience and the lessons I’ve learned from lived experience. Growing up in the foster care system, I witnessed firsthand the gaps in support and the profound impact a caring advocate can have. That understanding inspired me to pursue social work, and I am now a licensed master’s-level clinician—a milestone achieved by only a small percentage of foster youth. I specialize in trauma-informed care for system-impacted individuals, integrating CBT, DBT, and relapse prevention to guide young adults through grief, transitions, and post-traumatic growth.
In my practice, I strive to reframe the narrative for my clients, helping them understand that struggles with addiction, emotional dysregulation, or trauma are not reflections of personal failure but learned responses to difficult experiences. My work is driven by the privilege of witnessing growth—seeing someone who is defensive or vulnerable gradually begin to care for themselves, heal, and rebuild their life.
For me, every client’s breakthrough is a celebration of resilience—the same determination and spirit that have carried me to where I am today. It is this shared journey of perseverance and transformation that fuels my passion for social work every day.
Locations
IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) and PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program)
Morris Town, NJ 07960