Our Team

At East Texas Psychiatry and Counseling, the unifying principle among our team members is the profound conviction that our work transcends mere employment; it embodies a vocational commitment to fostering hope and healing in a challenging world. We are dedicated to your success and prepared to accompany you on this journey toward well-being.

 James Baughman,   MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

James Baughman is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and co-founder of East Texas Psychiatry and Counseling. With over 35 years of experience in the medical field, James brings a broad clinical background and a deep dedication to patient-focused care. He began his medical career in 1987, serving in the U.S. Navy as a hospital corpsman. After his honorable discharge, James began a nursing career in critical care settings before transitioning to psychiatry, driven by a passion for supporting veterans that began after helping a fellow service member through a mental health crisis.

Since becoming a nurse practitioner in 2021, James has provided psychiatric care, treating adolescents and adults with a wide range of mental health concerns. 

James believes true mental health treatment goes beyond medication. His goal is to equip his patients with the tools, insight, and support they need to become the best version of themselves—both in treatment and in life.

Antonio Brighman, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Antonio Brigham is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and co-founder of East Texas Psychiatry and Counseling. With over 15 years of experience in the mental health field, Antonio’s professional journey is rooted in compassion, resilience, and a commitment to holistic patient care.

He began his career as a group home worker, supporting individuals with complex behavioral and emotional needs. His dedication and leadership quickly led him to the role of group home manager, where he deepened his understanding of mental health systems and client-centered support. Inspired to broaden his clinical impact, Antonio pursued nursing and advanced through the ranks, ultimately becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner.

Today, Antonio brings that same passion to his work in private practice. He is dedicated to serving individuals and families with dignity and empathy, creating a safe space where healing and recovery can thrive.


 

Valerie Baughman, Administrator

Valerie Baughman brings a unique blend of professional experience, compassionate care, and steadfast dedication to her role as Administrator at East Texas Psychiatry and Counseling. With a background in office administration and over two decades of experience as a devoted stay-at-home and homeschool mom to four boys, Valerie is known for her resilience, organization, and deep empathy.

She spent seven years in professional office environments before dedicating herself fully to raising and educating her children. Through that journey, she developed a strong foundation in multitasking, problem-solving, and nurturing growth in others—skills that now serve her well in the mental health care field.

Valerie has also been a steadfast supporter of her husband’s academic and professional pursuits, and she now plays a key role in supporting both him and his business partner as they launch this new endeavor in mental health care.

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