Elise Banks-Lovely

Banks-Lovely is a clinical psychotherapist in the Houston area serving in private practice. Her work specializes in depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and addiction. She completed her undergraduate degree from Baylor University and finished her graduate degree, with honors, from the University of Houston. Banks-Lovely’s passion for mental health extends beyond her offices. Banks-Lovely has served on the NAMI Texas Board of Directors since 2017. She also serves on the Foundation Board for Menninger Clinic, one of the nation’s top psychiatric facilities. In 2015, Elise became NAMI’s first National Ambassador and travels extensively to break the stigma surrounding mental illness. Elise spends her time tackling legislative issues at the Texas state capitol and our nation’s capitol. She has raised tens of thousands of dollars in order to support those who need financial support in obtaining mental health services. In 2016, Elise won the Mental Health Advocate of the Year award for her efforts to help individuals get the help they need for their mental health. In 2022, Banks-Lovely was awarded one of the Top Business Women in Houston. Banks-Lovely is a sought-after speaker who most recently spoke for companies Dentsu, Merkle, and the Miss Universe Pageant. Banks-Lovely uses her social media to advocate for mental health, women empowerment, and positive social change.

Banks-Lovely attributes her successful career, in part, to the lessons learned from her years in pageantry. During her 12 year tenure in pageantry, Banks-Lovely won several crowns including the titles of Miss Texas International and Miss International. During her year as Miss International, Banks-Lovely traveled all over the world under her platform of mental health. Although her competing days are over, Elise continues to be involved in pageantry by focusing on positive mental health in pageant contestants and titleholders.