Abnormal Psychology | Fall 2025 BE+GOA Pilot
Discover the Complexities of the Human Mind: Ever wondered why society views certain behaviors “abnormal”? As you learn about Western abnormal psychology, you’ll explore the complex forces behind human behavior by studying conditions like anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and schizophrenia. Through engaging readings, videos, thought-provoking discussions, and a student-led project centered on your local community, you’ll dive into the symptoms, diagnoses, and responses to these disorders.
You’ll also examine how mental health is influenced by cultural differences and global perspectives, gaining insight into the stigma surrounding psychological disorders.
Why Take This Course?
You’ll walk away knowing more about how the human brain can take unexpected paths and how challenging it can be to define “normal.” You’ll also develop a deeper empathy for those facing mental health challenges.
Synchronous meeting requirements:
- Virtual class sessions will take place every other week and this time will be used for short presentations, Q&A and discussions.
- There will be 2-3 In-person/F2F sessions scheduled for field learning experiences and meeting with local guest experts. Possible field learning sites include: The Exploratorium, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI San Francisco), UCSF Teen Wellness Connection
UC Approved: 
(History / Social Science)
About the GOA Instructor
Natalie Broderick – Global Online Academy
Natalie is a clinical psychologist who has spent her career in schools – public, private, and international – as a teacher, counselor, psychologist, and administrator. She is passionate in encouraging students to become self-directed learners and is excited to work with GOA in implementing competency-based coursework. She recently returned to the US after 15 years in Asia and lives in the quintessential New England town of Foxboro, MA. She teaches several psychology courses, coaches various course teams, and supports course design. When not working remotely with GOA, you can find her spending time with family, playing with her two cats, or traveling far and wide.
About the BlendEd Local Enrichment Guide
Ryan Dooley – BlendEd Consortium
After over a decade teaching in the Bay Area– including as a much beloved Latin teacher at the College Prep School– Ryan completed a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at The Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA, which emphasizes social justice in therapy. Ryan is currently an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) in California working toward licensure.
Ryan lives in the East Bay with his husband and three chickens. He is an amateur musician, lover of stories, and lifelong learner. He is excited to serve as a local guide to students in this Abnormal Psychology course.
Student Testimonials
