OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of co-occurring depression in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is as high as 40% and associated with substantial negative outcomes. Prior studies have shown that combined treatment with psychotherapy and antidepressants is superior to antidepressant treatment alone in reducing depressive symptoms and improving quality of life. However, population based studies on the patterns of depression treatment among individuals with co-occurring COPD and depression are limited. We examined the patterns of depression treatment in various subgroups of individuals with co-occurring COPD and depression. METHODS: We used a retrospective, cross-sectional study design, pooling data from the 2009 and 2011 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). The analytical sample consisted of 886 individuals aged 21 years or older, diagnosed with COPD and depression. We classified depression treatment into three mutually exclusive categories: no depression treatment; antidepressants use only; and psychotherapy in conjunction with antidepressants. We conducted chi-squared tests and multinomial logistic regressions to examine patterns of depression treatment by socio-demographic, medical conditions and health status characteristics of this population. RESULTS: Overall, 18.5% of the study population reported no treatment for depression, 72% reported antidepressants use only and only 9.5% reported the use of psychotherapy in conjunction with antidepressants. Females were significantly more likely than males to receive psychotherapy and antidepressants for depression treatment (AOR=2.41, 95% CI=1.21, 4.81). Uninsured individuals were less likely than individuals with private insurance in receiving combined treatment (AOR=0.25, 95% CI=0.08, 0.84). Individuals with fair/poor perceived mental health status were more likely to receive combined treatment than individuals reporting excellent/ very good mental health status (AOR=4.19, 95% CI=1.59, 11.05). Those with anxiety were significantly more likely to receive combined treatment (AOR=3.21, 95% CI=1.62, 6.37).  CONCLUSIONS: Future studies need to identify the barriers to combined treatment of depression with psychotherapy and antidepressants among various subgroups of individuals with co-occurring COPD and depression.