Catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed to a treatment device having a direct heating element configured to be delivered to a renal blood vessel. The treatment device is selectively transformable between a delivery or low-profile state and a deployed state. The direct heating element is housed within an occlusion element which is sized and shaped so that the direct heating element contacts an interior wall of the occlusion element, an outer wall of which is simultaneously in contact with the inner wall of a renal blood vessel when the treatment assembly is in the deployed state. The direct heating element is configured to apply thermal energy to heat neural fibers that contribute to renal function.