Most counsellors are really reluctant to "tell on" their clients - even with 17 year olds... (except for mandatory reporting - which is for neglect and abuse...) it totally ruins any theraputic relationship...
My psych has only forceably hospitalised 1 patient in 15 years of private practise, while my hubby has done half a dozen this year in the emergency department...
If you seek help by going to a doctor/therapist it indicates that you want to get better which makes them less likely to think you need hospitalisation...

I agree with the others, ask where they stand on reporting etc before you go. There are also different styles of counselling, so before you go ask them what kind of therapy they do and to explain how it works. Its better to ask up front than to go through an hour of talking about really personal stuff and wasting good money on someone that just doesn't work for you.

I would ring up a few different people and chose the one that you feel most comfortable with, it is definitely worth it.