Breaking down barriers to treatment-resistant depression care with Dr. Michelle Cochran

Published October 27, 2026 · Featuring Michelle Cochran, MD of American Psychiatric Association

WASHINGTON — October 27, 2026 — Dr. Michelle Cochran, a board-certified psychiatrist and distinguished fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, recently appeared on the Health Policy Podcast to discuss the challenges of accessing care for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). The episode highlights the barriers patients face, including insurance limitations and policy restrictions.

Cochran emphasized the importance of providing multiple evidence-based treatment options for patients suffering from TRD. She noted that delays in access to appropriate care can lead to worsened symptoms and significant consequences for patients and their families.

Addressing treatment-resistant depression is crucial, as it affects not only the individual but also their social circle and overall healthcare costs. Improving access to care can lead to better outcomes and reduced long-term expenses for the healthcare system.

“Depression is a treatable biological condition. It's not a personal failure,” Cochran said. “Individuals who are suffering from treatment-resistant depression really deserve timely access to the full spectrum of evidence-based options.”

Cochran's insights shed light on the critical need for policy changes that prioritize patient access to mental health care. Her advocacy aims to ensure that patients receive the necessary treatments without unnecessary delays.

About American Psychiatric Association

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is a national medical specialty organization representing more than 40,400 members working in psychiatric practice, research, and academia. Dedicated to advancing mental health care, the APA supports psychiatric education and research, promotes evidence-based treatment, and advocates for access to high-quality care for people living with mental illness, including substance use disorders. Through clinical standards, professional resources, and public policy leadership, the association helps shape the future of psychiatry and improve the lives of patients and their families.

Visit American Psychiatric Association →

About the Guest

Michelle Cochran, MD — Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association

Michelle Cochran, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist, Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, and Fellow of the Clinical TMS Society. She is an internationally recognized expert in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and treatment-resistant depression (TRD). As former President of the Clinical TMS Society and former Chair of the American Psychiatric Association Caucus on Neuromodulation, she advocated for TMS access through payer negotiations, professional organizations, legislation, and patient legal action. She began her career providing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), introduced TMS in her practices in 2011, added vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in 2019, and developed a physician-led, multi-location psychiatric practice in Tennessee. Dr. Cochran serves as President and Chief Medical Officer of Synaptic PSYCH and lectures and consults internationally on advancing evidence-based care for TRD.  

About the Health Policy Podcast

The Health Policy Podcast hosts conversations on energy, infrastructure, policy and economic growth — interviewing the operators, regulators, and innovators powering America's grid, gas, nuclear, and industrial future. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.