DescriptionA higher mental health burden for non-heterosexual individuals has been consistently demonstrated in the literature, though most of this research has focused on high income countries where homosexuality is considered more socially acceptable (Blondeel et al., 2016; Chakraborty et. al, 2011; Kohut et. al, 2013). The decriminalization of homosexuality in India in 2018 signifies an important legal and social change for sexual minority Indians. However, research on sexual minority adults in India has largely focused on HIV status and risk rather than the experiences and specific mental health needs of this population. Similarly, existing research on mental health treatment in India is limited and largely based on task-shifting to less qualified healthcare workers, primary care integration, and availability of resources.This study aims to contribute to this limited body of research by developing an understanding of the specific mental health needs and experiences of sexual minority adults in Delhi, NCR. Additionally, this study examines perceptions and training gaps of the mental healthcare providers (MHPs) working with sexual minority individuals. An interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach was used to analyze data from two virtual focus groups – one with sexual minority (SM) adults (n = 8), and the second with mental healthcare providers (n = 7). Six superordinate themes emerged from each focus group discussion. For the SM group, these included the consequences of coming out, the psychological impact of queerness, mental health care experiences, experiences of the self and identity, ecological experiences in the Indian context, and the arc of resilience. For the MHP group these included presenting problems, barriers to care, ecological experiences in the Indian context, provider training issues, therapist growth, and responsibility and accountability. These findings present several implications for understanding the unique experiences and mental health needs of urban sexual minority Indians as well as recommendations for the improvement of MHP training. Strengths and limitations of the current study are discussed and suggestions for further research and policy changes are presented.